4 hurt, 1 critically, in crash on 405 Fwy in Van Nuys; all lanes reopened after closure

VAN NUYS, Calif. (KABC) -- Four people were injured, one critically, early Wednesday morning in a violent crash that initially prompted the complete shutdown of the 405 Freeway in Van Nuys, authorities said.

The violent collision occurred about 2:30 a.m. just south of Victory Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol, which issued a SigAlert.

Investigators believe the violent sequence of events began when a driver lost control of a black car that crashed. A red Jeep then struck the first vehicle and the driver who had exited the sedan; the impact launched the person into the southbound lanes.

The injured motorist was transported to a medical center in critical condition. Three other people, whose conditions were unclear, were also hospitalized.

All lanes remained closed until shortly after 3 a.m. when the southbound side of the interstate was reopened. After the mangled vehicles were towed from the scene, the CHP canceled the SigAlert about 6:30 a.m. and reopened all northbound lanes.

The cause of the collision was unknown.