Slippery Southland roads causing major wrecks, dangerous driving conditions

VERNON, Calif. (KABC) -- Southern California drivers were confronted with slippery, wet roads throughout the morning on Monday, causing several car wrecks and risky driving conditions.

According to the California Highway Patrol, 142 accidents were reported between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Los Angeles County, whereas only 24 accidents were reported during the same time span last Monday.

A crash involving an overturned box truck on the 710 Freeway caused a major overnight closure near Atlantic Boulevard in Vernon. The crash happened at about 2 a.m. but was cleared shortly before 4 a.m, CHP officials said.

Two people were inside the truck and one was transported to a hospital in unknown condition, officials said.

A truck was also seen flipped on the Victory Boulevard on-ramp to the 170 southbound in North Hollywood. Officials said the driver fled the scene on foot. It was unknown whether the person was hurt.

A two-car crash also occurred on the 91 East at Atlantic Boulevard in Long beach, which closed all lanes around 1:30 a.m. The highway was reopened about 30 minutes later.

In Rowland Heights, a car and a big rig collided on the 60 Freeway, which ended with the car being pinned underneath the truck. The driver was transported to a hospital in unknown condition.

It was not clear if rain was the cause of all of the crashes or if it only contributed to them, but officials warned commuters to drive with caution under the slippery conditions.

"This is our first rain in a while and oil tends to build up on these roads here," said Chris Reade of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "That oil is lighter than the water and it sits on the surface."

Reade added that drivers should avoid slamming on the brakes during rainfall, and commuters should keep their distance from the cars in front of them.

Most areas of the Southland were experiencing light to moderate rain, but conditions were expected to clear by midday.