710 South back open in Long Beach after multiple-big rig crash

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The 710 Freeway in Long Beach was back open Wednesday morning following a violent crash involving three big rigs that shut down all lanes for several hours, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at about 12:30 a.m. near Willow Street, where two men were trapped in their trucks before being transported to a local trauma center. One of the victims was in critical condition, according to CHP officials.

Officials were investigating the cause of the collision and said one factor of the crash was speed.

"There was traffic slowing for an unknown reason at this time. The first truck involved was stopped, at least that's the statement we're getting, and the other vehicles came up and couldn't slow down to stop behind them," said Sgt. Chad New of the CHP.

All lanes near Willow Street and at the 405 transition to the 710 South were were shut down for several hours until CHP officials announced a SigAlert cancellation at about 7:30 a.m.

Crews were putting loads of absorbent material on the roadway to help soak up some of the oil from the trucks. Meantime, traffic was seen backed up on the 710 Freeway for miles.