TRAFFIC ALERT: Highway 71 Crash Forces Shut Down of All Lanes

UPDATE: Pomona Police say an elder woman might have suffered some kind of medical emergency when her vehicle ran a stop sign and rolled into traffic causing five-car crash.

The crash happened about 11:15 a.m. according to the California Highway Patrol. It has forced the closure of the northbound Highway 71 between Mission Boulevard and Rio Rancho. Traffic is backed up to the 60 Freeway, according to CHP and witnesses.

Sgt. Hector Rodriguez said information was still trickling in but that at least one driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

Witnesses reported to the CHP that at least two vehicles veered off the road and over an embankment. At least one driver was reported trapped in their vehicle, according to CHP reports.

The road was expected to remain closed for roughly another three hours, Rodriguez said.

Original article:

California Highway Patrol officials are warning motorists that a crash forced the closure of the southbound Highway 71 near Phillips Ranch.

According to officials, a Ford Ranger and Nissan Altima collided and went over an embankment and into the bushes about 11:15 a.m. near Rio Rancho. At least one person was trapped inside one of the vehicles, CHP officials said.

A Sigalert was issued for the area about 11:40. Cars were being forced to exit the highway at Mission Avenue, according to the CHP.