Major Collision on 5 Freeway Disrupts Morning Commute [Orange County, CA]

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (March 13, 2024) — A severe accident involving a box truck and a pickup truck on the 5 Freeway near the Los Angeles-Orange County line led to significant traffic disruptions during Wednesday’s rush hour. 

The incident, occurring around 6 a.m. at the Beach Boulevard exit, resulted in the box truck overturning and the pickup truck catching fire shortly after the crash.

Aerial footage from local news captured the aftermath, showing the overturned box truck and the charred remains of the pickup as it was being cleared from the scene. The collision caused extensive traffic delays, with southbound congestion stretching back to the 605 Freeway, and also affected northbound lanes.

Authorities issued a SigAlert for the area, warning commuters of potential delays of up to two hours and advising alternative routes. Although the Beach Boulevard off-ramp was temporarily closed for emergency response and investigation, it has since been reopened.

As the freeway returns to normal flow, drivers are reminded to exercise caution and patience. The investigation into the cause of the 5 Freeway truck accident is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.