The crash was reported around 8 a.m. at Stadium Way near the 110 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Two big rigs and at least seven other vehicles were involved in the collision.
At least six other people were injured, three of which were taken to the hospital. The condition of those injured was not immediately available.
Firefighters had to physically pull at least one person who was trapped in the wreckage.
1 person killed, several others injured in 8-vehicle crash on southbound 5 Freeway in Los Angeles
It's unclear what exactly caused the crash, but a rain storm moving through Southern California was creating slick roads.
The three left lanes of the freeway were closed for an unknown duration. Caltrans says drivers in the area should expect delays.