3 Trapped Beneath Overturned SUV In Fatal 101 Freeway Crash

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — A woman died in an early morning crash on the northbound Ventura (101) Freeway Wednesday, and two others were seriously injured after being trapped beneath an overturned SUV.

The crash at Shoup Avenue triggered an hours-long SigAlert because debris from the crash scattered across the freeway, shutting down the northbound lanes.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a SUV was traveling at a high speed when it hit the center divider and veered off the right shoulder of the freeway and down an embankment in Woodland Hills shortly before 12:30 a.m.

Three people were trapped beneath the vehicle when it landed, and Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters had to free them. However, one person died at the scene. Two others were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Witnesses reported to the CHP that the incident may have begun with a collision between a big rig and the SUV.

The SigAlert, which affected all northbound lanes from Topanga Canyon Boulevard through Woodland Hills, was lifted as the morning rush hour began.