Plane crashes on busy freeway in Southern California
A plane crashed and burst into flames in the middle of the busy 101 Freeway in Southern California on Tuesday, bringing traffic to a standstill. The accident was reported about 1:50 p.m. near the Liberty Canyon Road exit of the northbound side of the freeway in Agoura Hills, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The cause of the accident wasn't immediately clear. The LAFD rescued the pilot, who was trapped, and said there were no other injuries. CBS Los Angeles said the victim is an experienced pilot for Alaska Airlines in his 40s.
The California Highway Patrol urged motorists to avoid the area as fire crews extinguished the flames. They say some lanes have since reopened to traffic. "Please keep the [freeway] shoulders clear for emergency vehicles," they added. Earlier, the freeway had been closed in both directions near the crash site.
US-101 TRAFFIC UPDATE (Plane Crash US-101/Liberty Canyon): The #4 & #5 traffic lanes are now open on Northbound US-101. The #5 traffic lane is open Southbound US-101. Please keep shoulders clear for emergency vehicles responding to clear the scene.
— CHP PIO - LA County (@CHPsouthern) October 23, 2018
Images on social media from Cynthia Alvarez showed the plane in flames, moments after it crashed.
Here are photos I got of the plane crash!! Near lost hills road. pic.twitter.com/GxUNTdDMMW
— Cynth (@CynthiaBoo932) October 23, 2018
CBS Los Angeles writes the aircraft was identified by officials as a Forney F-1. The plane was seen with World War II-style decals on its wings.
The Van Nuys Airport said the plane involved in Tuesday's crash is from the Condor Squadron vintage flying club.
Van Nuys Airport is thankful there are no injuries in today’s
— Van Nuys Airport VNY (@VanNuysAirport) October 23, 2018
plane crash on the 101 freeway. VNY confirms that the AT-6 aircraft is from the
Condor Squadron vintage flying club.
Officials said the FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash.