Multi-Vehicle Collision Causes Extended Closure of Eastbound 134 Freeway Near West Pasadena

A pre-dawn multi-vehicle collision Sunday led to an extended closure of the eastbound Ventura (134) Freeway just west of Pasadena early Sunday, causing significant traffic disruptions and prompting a complex emergency response.

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert at 2:02 a.m. for the closure of all lanes on the eastbound 134 Freeway, just west of the Figueroa Street offramp.

The alert, initially set for two hours, was extended as cleanup and investigation continued. As of 5:30 a.m., the SigAlert was in effect but only two lanes remained blocked.

The incident involved at least five vehicles, including a gray Ford and a white sedan. 

CHP officers arrived on scene after a 1:49 a.m. report to find one vehicle facing westbound in the middle lanes, creating a dangerous situation for oncoming traffic.

“We have multiple vehicles involved, with one facing the wrong way,” reported a CHP officer at 1:53 a.m. “There’s debris across all lanes, and we’re seeing smoke coming from one of the vehicles.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department was dispatched.

Caltrans sweeper’s arrival was delayed due to traffic congestion, with reports at 2:55 a.m. indicating it was “stuck in traffic” while en route.

As of 3:27 a.m., CHP reported that the HOV lane and lane #1 had been reopened to traffic, providing some relief to stranded motorists. 

Remaining lanes remained closed for ongoing cleanup and investigation.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. While details about potential injuries have not been released at this time.