LOS ANGELES, CA — A major freeway transition was closed in Boyle Heights Saturday after authorities determined that an overturned concrete truck was spilling its load and threatening the freeway and train tracks below.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 9:14 a.m. Saturday to the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway at Cesar Chavez Avenue, where the motorist was trapped inside the truck, yet was “conscious and talking,” according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The driver was later freed and evaluated by paramedics.
The truck, which blocked all lanes of traffic on the northbound freeway, landed on its roof, the California Highway Patrol reported. The LAFD said it was “over the k-rail and threatening the Santa Monica (10) Freeway and train tracks below, which have been shut down.”
“The truck is loaded and spilling concrete. LAFD Heavy Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue specialized units are on scene to evaluate and determine safest way to secure the truck to mitigate the immediate fall hazard. Private contractors will handle the moving/uprighting of the truck. Drivers are HIGHLY advised to plan ahead for alternate routes as this will be an extended operation,” the LAFD continued.
A Sigalert issued at 9:45 a.m., closing the transition road from the westbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway to the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway, was canceled at 12:26 p.m., the CHP said.
City News Service