Overturned big rig prompts closure of 605 Freeway in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A big rig carrying a large carnival ride was struck by a vehicle and overturned this morning on the southbound 605 Freeway in Long Beach and prompted the closure of the southbound lanes of the freeway near the accident site for hours.

The accident occurred near the Willow Street offramp about 1:10 a.m. when a Toyota Corolla crashed into the big rig, according to the California Highway Patrol.

"As a result of the collision, the big rig overturned and impacted the guardrail, which caused the engine to become dislodged from the engine compartment of the big rig," CHP Sgt. Anthony Soriano said. A BMW was traveling in the No. 2 or 3 lane and impacted the engine that was in the roadway.

The drivers of both cars were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, the CHP reported. The big rig driver was not hurt.

A hazardous materials team was brought in to clean up spilled gasoline and oil and the freeway would be closed until the cleanup was complete. The accident site was near the Long Beach/Los Alamitos border, prompting an OCFA response.

Traffic was being  diverted off the freeway at Carson Street. The southbound freeway lanes were closed, and authorities estimated that lanes would not be reopened until at least 9:15 a.m., the CHP reported.