A tragic incident occurred early this morning on the southbound 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, resulting in the deaths of a police sergeant and a motorist in his 30s. The sergeant had stopped to assist the stranded motorist when both were struck by another vehicle. The accident has led to significant traffic disruptions in the Brentwood area, with the freeway remaining closed for several hours.
The California Highway Patrol received reports of the crash at approximately 1:58 a.m. The accident involved three vehicles, with a silver truck blocking the HOV lane. The motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, while the police sergeant was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Unfortunately, despite efforts from medical personnel, the sergeant later succumbed to injuries. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Mayor Karen Bass, and a chaplain were present at the hospital following the sergeant’s death.
In the wake of the crash, the CHP issued a SigAlert at 2:22 a.m., shutting down southbound lanes at Getty Center Drive and rerouting traffic. Northbound lanes faced closures shortly after, creating a significant standstill for morning commuters. Northbound lanes reopened by 4:23 a.m., but southbound traffic remained backed up, and drivers were advised to use Sepulveda Boulevard as an alternative route.
This incident highlights the risks that first responders face while serving the community and emphasizes the importance of road safety for all drivers. As investigations continue, there is a call for awareness and caution on the roads, ensuring that such tragedies are minimized in the future.