[09-17-2019] Southbound 605 Freeway Closed In Long Beach Following Semi-Truck Overturn

All lanes of the southbound 605 Freeway at Willow Street were shut early Tuesday morning following a semi-truck overturned taking out a guard rail.

Initial reports from the scene have been the semi-truck overturned after hitting a car. Another car was involved after it hit the engine of the semi-truck that dropped out onto the highway following the first crash. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened just after 1 am

The big rig‘s engine block dislodged as the truck rolled and hit a BMW traveling in a separate lane, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Anthony Soriano said.

One patient in a BMW was transported to a trauma center, and passengers from were also taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The driver of the semi-truck was okay and declined medical treatment. Video from the scene showed the BMW vehicle with extensive front-end damage & the semi-truck on its side.

Big Rig Loaded With Carnival Ride Crashes on 605 Freeway in Long Beach

It was unclear what led to the initial crash, which also ruined a light pole & a guard rail on the freeway. According to reports from the scene, the semi-truck was on its way to Costa Mesa carrying a popular carnival & amusement-park ride called the Sizzler in the rear of the trailer.

Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the only accident in 2019 involving a form of entertainment that is supposed to be fun but turned nearly deadly.  Earlier this year at Coachella a 24-year-old female was gravely hurt inside the popular Sahara Tent after being struck by a falling balloon-like prop anchored by heavy metal hinges.

605 FWY Crash involving semi hauling carnival ride shuts down southbound lanes for Hours

All southbound lanes were closed down, & California Highway Patrol said traffic-jams was being diverted off in Spring Street. All lanes of the freeway were closed for the majority of the morning, with four lanes opening after 9 am After about 7 hrs. Officials reopened all the but one lane of the freeway to traffic. The final lane reopened about 3 pm.