Big rig crash snarls traffic on 405 Freeway in Long Beach area

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A crash involving a big rig hauling a load of large metal pipes Tuesday blocked several northbound and southbound lanes of the
405 Freeway near the 710 Freeway in the Long Beach area.

The truck crashed about 9:30 a.m. into the center divider of the southbound 405 Freeway, and pipes described as 30 feet long spilled onto the northbound lanes, damaging some vehicles, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Traffic was snarled in both directions as crews worked to clear the scene. About 75 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway, and a hazardous-materials team was sent to handle the cleanup.

About 1 p.m., all southbound lanes were reopened except for the HOV lane, but three northbound lanes remained closed.

The circumstances of the crash were under investigation.