Highway 17 Near Los Gatos Reopens After Fatal Big-Rig Crash, Major Delays Still In Effect
LOS GATOS (CBS SF) --All lanes of state Highway 17 in Santa Clara County reopened Thursday evening, nearly 10 hours after a fatal crash Thursday morning involving a big-rig, according to the California Highway Patrol.
One person was ejected from a vehicle, and died at the scene. Seven others were injured and were transported to the hospital, one in critical condition, CHP officials said.
Eleven vehicles, including the big rig, were involved in the crash, according to the CHP.
All lanes of the highway reopened around 5:20 p.m., the CHP said. As of 7:15 p.m. there was still heavy traffic on southbound 17 out of Los Gatos.
According to CHP, the crash took place at 7:50 a.m. in the northbound direction near Bear Creek Road when a big rig apparently lost its brakes and jackknifed, leading to a multi-vehicle pile-up and shutting down both northbound lanes and one southbound lane.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.