A tragic single-vehicle accident occurred late last night on the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 at Santa Anita Avenue in El Monte, CA, resulting in the death of the driver. The incident unfolded shortly before midnight when the vehicle rolled over into a riverbed, prompting an immediate emergency response.
At 11:59 PM, authorities received reports of the rollover accident. The El Monte Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene. Upon investigation, emergency responders confirmed that the driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle was found in an unstable position, complicating recovery efforts.
In response to the incident, the Gibson Tunnel was closed for approximately four hours, significantly impacting traffic in the area. At 12:40 AM, officials announced the closure, advising that all eastbound traffic would be diverted away from the tunnel. This closure was necessary to ensure the safety of both emergency personnel and motorists as they worked to clear the scene.
As the situation unfolded, emergency services continued to assess the vehicle for any additional occupants, but it was confirmed that no one else was inside. By 1:09 AM, all emergency units had cleared the scene, and the vehicle was towed away, allowing for the reopening of the affected lanes.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with driving, particularly late at night. Authorities urge all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to safe driving practices to prevent such tragedies in the future. The investigation into the cause of the rollover accident is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
For those traveling in the El Monte area, it is advisable to stay updated on traffic conditions and road closures, especially during late-night hours when visibility may be reduced.