A predawn multi-vehicle crash on northbound US-101 in Encino left one person dead early Saturday and turned the Ventura Freeway into a long, grinding bottleneck. The collision was reported just south of White Oak Avenue, where responding crews found wreckage scattered across the northbound lanes and began diverting drivers off the freeway while they worked the scene.
How the crash unfolded
According to the California Highway Patrol, the initial call came in at 1:48 a.m. reporting a black sedan stopped in the fast lane with its hazard lights flashing. Witnesses told reporters that four vehicles were involved in the wreck and that one person was found beneath a vehicle. Video from the scene showed Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters using a jack to lift part of the mangled metal as they checked on a motionless person, and a representative from the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office was called out.
A SigAlert shut down all northbound lanes, with traffic forced off the freeway at White Oak Avenue. As the morning dragged on, two lanes were eventually reopened while three remained closed so investigators could work the crash site, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Another deadly crash on the 101 this week
Saturday’s fatal collision capped a rough week on the Ventura (101) Freeway. Earlier in the week, a separate crash near Valley Circle Boulevard also shut down northbound lanes and left one person dead, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. Both wrecks triggered extended lane closures while officers documented evidence and cleared the freeway.
Investigation ongoing
The cause of Saturday’s multi-car crash has not yet been released, and the CHP has not publicly identified anyone involved. Investigators remained on scene gathering physical evidence and speaking with witnesses while tow crews removed damaged vehicles and debris. Authorities said additional details will be shared as the investigation moves forward, per ABC7 Los Angeles.
