CERRITOS, CA — A multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 605 Freeway near Cerritos left one person dead early Tuesday morning, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. when an SUV collided with three stationary vehicles and a tow truck already assisting at the scene of an earlier accident. One individual was declared deceased at the scene.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) records indicate the initial crash was reported at about 12:30 a.m. It was updated to a fatal collision investigation within 20 minutes. The wreck prompted a SigAlert for the northbound lanes of the freeway south of the 91 Freeway.
In response to the crash, the HOV lane and three additional lanes were closed for investigation and scene clearance. All lanes were reopened by around 4:45 a.m.
Details about the victim have not been released, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Witnesses described the moments before the fatal impact, noting that the SUV approached the stationary vehicles at a high rate of speed.
No further injuries were reported, and emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to the scene.