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Massive Truck Fire Halts Traffic on Los Angeles' 5 Freeway

Frank Penney • May 9, 2024

A significant fire engulfed a semi-truck on the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles, generating dense columns of black smoke and leading to substantial traffic congestion. The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of the 5, close to Roxford Street in the Sylmar/Granada Hills vicinity, around 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday.


Initial reports suggest that the semi-truck collided with another large vehicle, resulting in immediate ignition. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated that one male driver managed to escape from the burning cabin, with passing motorists stepping in to help extinguish flames on his clothes and body. Sky5 reporter Rich Prickett observed that the driver sustained severe burns.


Emergency services swiftly transported the driver to a nearby trauma center, noting the critical nature of his burns. Firefighters grappled with the inferno for nearly 40 minutes until it was finally brought under control. Unfortunately, the semi-truck, laden with meat cargo, suffered irreparable damage. Hazardous materials teams spent the afternoon addressing fuel and oil spills on the truck route.


The crash and subsequent fire brought southbound traffic to a standstill, stretching from the Newhall Pass and casting visibility across the entire San Fernando Valley. Despite the extensive impact, authorities have yet to disclose the official cause of the accident.


Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation.


Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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