West Valley, CA (November 17, 2024) – A fatal pedestrian accident occurred on US-101 Southbound near Winnetka Ave early Saturday morning, involving multiple vehicles and resulting in significant lane closures.
The incident was reported at approximately 12:11 AM. Initial reports indicate that a silver BMW was stalled in the HOV lane, and its driver had exited the vehicle. While outside the vehicle, the pedestrian was struck by an unknown vehicle. Additional vehicles, including a white Nissan Altima, became involved in the chain-reaction collision, further blocking the HOV and adjacent lanes.
Emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived at the scene. Despite their efforts, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased. The incident prompted a hard closure of multiple lanes, with a SigAlert issued for lanes 1 through 4. The coroner was dispatched to the scene to assist with the investigation.
Multiple vehicles sustained significant front-end damage and were towed from the scene as evidence. The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision, including the sequence of events and the identification of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Safety on California Highways
California highways, such as US-101, see heavy traffic, increasing the risk of serious incidents. Pedestrian collisions on highways are particularly dangerous, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Stalled vehicles and individuals exiting their cars in active lanes pose additional hazards for both pedestrians and other drivers.
Motorists are urged to remain alert, use caution near stopped vehicles, and avoid exiting their vehicles on active highways whenever possible. Drivers encountering breakdowns should pull over to a safe location and contact roadside assistance immediately.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal accident, understanding your rights and accessing support is critical. Local Accident Reports provides resources to help families navigate the aftermath of such tragic events.