Sun Valley fiery crash: SB 5 Fwy lanes reopen after semi-truck slams into overpass pillar

SUN VALLEY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A semi-truck slammed into an overpass pillar and burst into flames early Friday morning in Sun Valley, forcing the hours-long closure of all southbound lanes on the 5 Freeway, authorities said.

The single-vehicle crash was reported about 3:40 a.m. at Penrose Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver suffered minor injuries.

Firefighters responded to the location and quickly extinguished the fire, and southbound traffic was diverted at Lankershim Boulevard.

Caltrans personnel were examining the integrity of the pedestrian overpass at the scene, where the highway was strewn with diesel fuel and the truck's cargo of packaged cheese.

A hazardous materials team was summoned to the crash site.

The cause of the collision was unknown.

Lanes began to reopen shortly before 9:20 a.m., Caltrans said. The southbound side of the freeway was fully reopened around noon.