One Dead in Early Morning Chain-Reaction Crash on 101 Freeway in Encino
A fatal multi-vehicle crash shut down all northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway near Encino in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026. The collision claimed the life of one person who stepped out of a disabled vehicle before being struck in a chain-reaction crash, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The CHP reported the crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. in the fast lane on the northbound side, just south of White Oak Avenue. The initial emergency call mentioned a black sedan blocking the No. 1 lane with hazard lights on, and the victim was seen outside the vehicle moments later.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Aftermath
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived quickly, finding that four vehicles had been involved in a severe chain-reaction collision. Graphic scene footage captured firefighters using a jack to lift wreckage and check for vital signs on the victim trapped beneath a car. Despite rapid efforts, the person was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner was called to investigate and identify the deceased, whose identity remains undisclosed.
Authorities immediately issued a Sigalert at 2:38 a.m., closing all northbound lanes and diverting traffic onto White Oak Avenue. Traffic backups persisted for hours, even after two lanes were partially reopened. The exact cause of the initial breakdown and subsequent collision remains under investigation.
Travel Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shutdown on a major Los Angeles freeway near a busy interchange highlights the dangers of disabled vehicles on high-speed roads, underscoring the importance of caution for stranded motorists and passing drivers alike. The CHP urges drivers to stay vigilant and avoid stepping onto freeway lanes.
Officials continue to examine witness statements and video from the scene to determine the precise sequence leading to the fatal crash. Motorists are advised to expect continued delays in the area during the investigation.
News of the tragedy on the 101 Freeway resonates nationwide, reminding drivers from Delaware to California of the critical need for road safety and vigilance during roadside emergencies.
The Delaware Herald will update readers as more details become available.
