Fatal Freeway Crash in Encino: Safety Tips

A tragic chain reaction crash on the northbound 101 Freeway in Encino claimed the life of a 20-year-old man early Saturday morning.

It kicked off just before 2am when a black sedan stalled in the fast lane with its hazards flashing, leading to a pile of involving at least five vehicles.

One person got pinned under a car and died right there at the scene.

Reports came in around 1.48am about the disabled car, and soon folks were spotted outside it.

That's when a rear-in hit sparked the whole mess, snarling northbound traffic through the area.

All lanes shut down for over 7 hours, with drivers diverted at White Oak Avenue until things cleared around 9am.

Firefighters rushed in, but couldn't save the victim, and now officials are stressing how dangerous it is to step out on a busy freeway at night.

We still don't know the guy's full identity, or if he was from the stall sedan, or one of the other cars.

CHP is reminding everyone, if your ride breaks down, stay buckled inside, and dial 9-1-1.

Bottom line, pull to the right shoulder if you can, but never risk standing in traffic.

Those secondary crashes happen way too fast, so play it safe.

Out there on the roads. From your city, powered by AI, this is California News Today.

I'm Corey with The Story.