A significant traffic incident severely disrupted the morning commute on Los Angeles’ busy 405 Freeway. During the Thursday morning rush hour, two vehicles flipped over, causing the closure of several northbound lanes and resulting in a substantial traffic jam.
The incident occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Santa Monica Boulevard, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
In the aftermath of the crash, at least one individual involved chose not to be hospitalized, according to CHP officials. There was no immediate confirmation of any major injuries stemming from the event.
The overturned vehicles led to blocked lanes, necessitating a swift response from emergency teams. Footage provided by KTLA illustrated the growing congestion, as some drivers trapped in the snarl endeavored to leave the freeway in search of alternate routes.
Emergency personnel are pictured attending the overturned vehicles on the 405 Freeway near Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2026. (KTLA)
CHP issued a SigAlert shortly after 8 a.m. for the closure of lanes 4, 5 and 6 as crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Under CHP policy, SigAlerts are issued for unplanned events or circumstances that could delay a large number of motorists for at least 30 minutes. Traffic collisions, spilled loads, flooding and unexpected congestion are among the situations that can trigger an alert.
The agency extended the SigAlert for another 30 minutes at about 8:30 a.m.
The collision occurred on northbound I-405 near Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles. The freeway continues north from the Westwood area toward the Sepulveda Pass.
Emergency crews respond after two cars overturned on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2026. (KTLA)
Caltrans has previously directed motorists seeking an alternate northbound route from Santa Monica Boulevard to travel east to Sepulveda Boulevard before continuing north to an I-405 entrance at Moraga Drive.
The lanes affected by Thursday morning’s crash were eventually cleared and reopened.
The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, and authorities had not announced whether any citations or arrests resulted from the collision.
Traffic backs up on the 405 Freeway after two cars overturned during the Thursday morning commute in Los Angeles. (KTLA)
News Media reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional information but did not immediately receive a response.