Two people were killed and two others were injured Thursday morning after a vehicle crashed off the southbound 5 Freeway in Anaheim, prompting a major emergency response and temporary closures during the morning commute.
The crash was reported at about 3:15 a.m. near the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol. Investigators said the vehicle appeared to have left the roadway and ended up in a grassy embankment alongside the freeway.
Four people were found at the scene. Two victims were pronounced dead, while the other two were taken to a hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately released, and authorities had not yet identified the victims.
According to an initial CHP incident log, a witness reported that a white SUV appeared to miss the Lincoln Avenue exit before making a late attempt to take the off-ramp. The vehicle reportedly left the freeway at high speed and went over the side. Two occupants were reportedly ejected during the crash.
The circumstances described in the initial traffic log remain part of the investigation, and authorities had not announced a definitive cause of the collision.
The crash caused significant traffic restrictions during the early morning hours. The Lincoln Avenue off-ramp and several southbound lanes were blocked while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. A SigAlert was issued, and portions of the freeway were later reopened as the investigation progressed.
Images from the scene showed the wreckage in the grassy area along the freeway as officers investigated the deadly collision. The crash occurred during the early hours of Thursday’s commute, creating the potential for additional traffic impacts in the area.
Authorities continue to investigate what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway. The identities of those killed and further information about the two injured victims are expected to be released once officials notify relatives and additional details become available.
This remains a developing story.
