A traffic collision occurred today on Interstate 405 South at Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach, California, involving a single vehicle. The incident was reported at approximately 4:57 PM when a white Mitsubishi Mirage was struck by a tire that had unexpectedly flown into the lane. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of this unusual incident.
At 5:00 PM, the driver of the Mitsubishi reported the collision, which caused significant damage to the front of the vehicle. Emergency services responded promptly, with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) arriving shortly thereafter. By 5:14 PM, a traffic break was requested due to vehicles blocking the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, which was impacting traffic flow.
The Mitsubishi was assessed and determined to be possibly unmovable due to the major damage it sustained. A tow truck was requested at 5:05 PM, and by 5:20 PM, both the CHP and FSP had closed their incidents, indicating that the situation was under control. Emergency units confirmed their presence on the scene by 5:27 PM, helping to restore traffic conditions as quickly as possible.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road hazards, such as debris from other vehicles. The driver of the Mitsubishi, a rental vehicle, was fortunate to escape without injury. The quick actions of emergency responders helped to mitigate further complications and ensure the safety of all motorists in the area.
Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant on the road and report any debris or hazards that could pose a risk to safety. The CHP continues to monitor traffic conditions and respond to incidents throughout the region, ensuring the safety of all drivers on California highways.