O.C. traffic jam: Big rig crosses 5 Freeway median, hits several cars
A big rig crossed the median and hit oncoming cars on the 5 Freeway in Orange County on Thursday afternoon, backing up southbound traffic for miles.
The big rig was traveling north when it crossed over the center divider at Camino de Estrella in Dana Point and smashed into five or six oncoming vehicles. As many as eight people have been taken to the hospital, said California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada.
Southbound traffic was completely stopped for about 30 minutes before authorities opened up one lane at about 1:30 p.m. Traffic was backed up for miles to the El Toro Y.
“It’s huge. If you’re stuck, get off at [Pacific Coast Highway]. That’s going to be busy too, but at least it’s moving,” Quesada said.
Quesada predicted delays around the crash site could be up to two hours.
“Hopefully, we’ll have it clear by rush hour,” she said.
The 5 Freeway is the only major route between south Orange County and the rest of the region without a significant detour.
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Twitter: @josephserna
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