California Highway Patrol has reopened all lanes of the eastbound State Route 118 in Granada Hills hours after a big rig overturned during a multivehicle collision early Monday.
The three-vehicle crash happened just after 5:40 a.m. east of Hayvenhurst Street. The California Highway Patrol said two parties, including one with major injuries, were hospitalized.
The CHP announced the freeway’s closure near Woodley Avenue at around 6 a.m. CHP initially said the lanes were going to be blocked for an hour, but officials just after 7:11 a.m. announced that lanes would be inaccessible to motorists for four more hours.
At 9:30 a.m., CHP said the No. 5 lane has been reopened as crews worked on setting the rig upright before removing it from the freeway. The agency shortly before 11 a.m. again extended the SigAlert for the HOV and Nos. 1 to 4 lanes for another hour and a half.
Officials finally flipped the big rig in the afternoon, Caltrans tweeted at 12:13 p.m. A little more than half an hour later, CHP announced all lanes have been reopened.
Earlier video from the scene shows responders extricating the occupant of the overturned vehicle. Traffic was backed up for miles while the vehicle remained on the freeway.
Authorities have not released details about what might have caused the crash.
⚠️ UPDATE ⚠️ ALL LANES OPEN ON 118 FWY in Granada Hills. Thank you for your patience.
— CHP – West Valley (@CHPWestValley) February 11, 2019
Big rig is upright. Only right lane open. https://t.co/cQsQJUdSL1
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) February 11, 2019
⚠️ Only #5 lane open EB 118 Fwy east of Hayvenhurst after a 5:40am 3-vehicle collision involving overturned tractor trailer hauling sand. 2 parties transported to hospital – 1 with major injuries. Crews on scene now to upright & remove overturned rig. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/ty3AyhxMFR
— CHP – West Valley (@CHPWestValley) February 11, 2019