Authorities say three vehicles were involved in the crash, which happened just before 4 a.m. All traffic was diverted off at Lakewood Boulevard.
One person, identified only as a man in his 40s, was declared dead at the scene. Another person was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
California Highway Patrol officers were able to open two eastbound lanes to allow traffic through at about 6 a.m. All lanes were reopened just after 7 a.m. Although westbound lanes were not closed, traffic was backed up for miles due to drivers slowing to look at the accident scene.
