In the early hours of November 8, a vehicle collision on I-5 North near Brand Boulevard led to a partial freeway closure as emergency crews worked to rescue a critically injured driver.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) units from the Newhall area were dispatched to the scene following reports of a vehicle that had collided with the center divider, blocking the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male driver trapped under the dashboard, exhibiting signs of agonal breathing—a severe, labored form of breathing often seen in critical situations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) quickly responded, taking steps to access the vehicle by removing it from its position against the center divider. Emergency responders used specialized equipment to cut off the driver’s door to free him. After the extrication, the driver was rushed to a nearby hospital, though the extent of his injuries remains unknown.
As emergency crews continued to manage the scene, CHP closed lanes 1, 2, and 3 on the northbound side of the I-5 to facilitate cleanup and ensure safety. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time.