A gray minivan lost control and went down an embankment on the right shoulder of the northbound Interstate 605 freeway in Long Beach, CA, today at approximately 4:58 PM. The incident involved only one vehicle and resulted in the driver, who uses a wheelchair, being trapped inside until emergency services arrived.
Witnesses reported that the minivan veered off the roadway and became high-centered on the embankment. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene and worked to safely assist the driver out of the vehicle. The driver was then taken to a nearby Denny's restaurant for care, where they received support following the incident.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this traffic collision, which was classified as a "Traffic Collision - No Injuries." The prompt actions of emergency responders ensured the driver was safely extracted without harm.
Tow services were called to recover the high-centered minivan, which was partially on the shoulder. A tow truck arrived shortly after emergency services, and the vehicle was successfully removed from the freeway by 6:20 PM.
Traffic on the northbound Interstate 605 was affected during the incident, particularly near the Spring Street on-ramp, as emergency crews worked to clear the area. The last unit cleared the scene by 6:19 PM, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow.
This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices, especially in challenging conditions. The California Highway Patrol encourages all drivers to remain vigilant and cautious while on the road to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all motorists.