405 Plane Crash Cleanup: CalTrans Looks At Heroes Of The Roadway

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The 405 plane crash occurred on the busiest travel day of the summer on one of the busiest freeways in the nation, according to Orange County CalTrans officials. When a Cessna fell short of the John Wayne Airport runway the Friday of the long July 4th holiday weekend, it wreaked havoc on the 405 Freeway both north and southbound causing a total closure, CalTrans prepared to go to work while investigators dealt with the scene.

Here is how CalTrans managed to reopen the roadway in record time, working with emergency departments from across Orange County.

"Miraculously only a few vehicles were involved, and the pilot and his wife are expected to fully recover," Lindsey Hart of CalTrans public affairs said.

Gaspar Inzunza, CalTrans maintenance supervisor, said it became a large-scale event very quickly, involving emergency teams from Orange County Fire Authority, local police and fire departments, Storm Water and Ocean Blue.

"CalTrans maintenance made sure the right resources were on hand, ready to remove all debris and conduct clean up as soon as they were given the go ahead," said James Pinheiro, deputy director of traffic operations for District 12.

Read Also:

• Plane Crash Video Shows Moment Of Impact Near John Wayne Airport: WATCH
• 405 Plane Crash Victims Released From Hospital: Here's What They Said About The Crash
• Plane Crash On 405 Freeway Near John Wayne Airport, Dramatic Pilot Rescue: Video

Photos, Caltrans YouTube screen capture