Man killed in 101 Freeway chain-reaction crash in Encino

LOS ANGELES - A multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash on the 101 Freeway in Encino left one person dead early Saturday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fatal incident occurred near White Oak Avenue after a disabled vehicle became a hazard in the middle of the dark highway.

What we know:

The CHP first received reports at 1:48 a.m. of a black sedan blocking the northbound fast lane with its hazard lights on, officials said. 

Within just 10 minutes, a witness reported a total of four vehicles had collided, and a person was trapped beneath one of the cars. 

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters used a jack to lift the wreckage off the victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

The victim was later identified by the LA County Medical Examiner's Office as Chaz Castillo.

A Sigalert closed all northbound lanes for about six hours. The alert was lifted just before 9 a.m.

What we don't know:

It is unclear if alcohol or speed played a role in the initial solo crash that started the sequence, or if any of the other drivers involved were hurt.

What you can do:

Transportation officials urge drivers who experience a breakdown on the freeway to follow these safety steps:

• Try to steer the vehicle to the right shoulder and away from traffic flow.
• If stuck in a lane, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and call 911 immediately.
• Do not attempt to walk across freeway lanes or stand behind a disabled vehicle, as low visibility at night puts you at extreme risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.