A deadly crash on the 405 Freeway south has left at least one person dead and multiple others injured, prompting a complete closure of all lanes in the area. The catastrophic collision occurred shortly before 2:00 AM near the rugged drive exit, where first responders reported a disabled truck on the roadway.

In a chaotic scene, a good Samaritan attempted to wave traffic around the disabled vehicle when a patrol officer arrived to assist. Tragically, as the officer approached, another vehicle struck both the patrol car and the man with the flashlight, resulting in the fatality. The officer was severely injured and has been transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where the mayor has arrived to oversee the situation. Authorities have not yet released details on the officer’s condition, but initial reports indicated he was unresponsive at the scene.

As the investigation unfolds, the southbound lanes of the 405 remain closed, causing significant backups for morning commuters. Traffic is at a standstill, with delays extending over an hour and a half in some areas. Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes, as the scene is expected to remain blocked for the foreseeable future.

Emergency crews continue to assess the situation, while law enforcement is working diligently to gather more information. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on our roadways. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.