Breaking: FedEx Truck crashes on Rain-Soaked 5 Freeway in Pacoima, Thousands of Packages Spill
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Early Wednesday, a FedEx tractor-trailer crashed on the northbound 5 Freeway in Pacoima as rain drenched the region, prompting a important emergency response and a lengthy roadway closure. Officials confirmed the driver was not hurt as thousands of packages spilled from one of the truck’s two trailers onto the roadway.
The crash also damaged a guardrail along the shoulder, contributing to the disruption. Northbound lanes were expected to stay closed until roughly 11 a.m., just south of the 118 Freeway, as crews worked to clear debris and restore traffic flow.
The incident unfolded amid a multi-day storm that has soaked los Angeles, with rain expected to peak today and continue through Christmas into the weekend. Authorities warned drivers to expect slick conditions and ongoing travel delays as cleanup continued.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northbound 5 Freeway near De Soto Avenue, Pacoima (south of the 118 Freeway) |
| Vehicle | FedEx tractor-trailer (one of two trailers in the rig) |
| Cargo spilled | Approximately 12,000 pounds of packages |
| Injuries | Driver reported uninjured |
| Road status | Northbound lanes closed; reopening expected about 11 a.m. |
| Weather | Rain-drenched highways; storm peak anticipated midweek; activity ongoing into weekend |
What drivers should know as the storm continues
Persistent rain can create slick road surfaces and reduced visibility. If you must travel, allow extra time, maintain ample following distance, and heed lane closures and detours. Check official traffic feeds before heading out and consider alternate routes to avoid flooded or congested corridors.
for ongoing weather and traffic updates, consult trusted sources such as local news outlets and the California Department of Transportation. California DOT and regional advisories offer real-time guidance during major storms.
Stay informed – two rapid takeaways
1) Storm-related closures can persist even after initial incidents; plan for potential delays on major arteries. 2) Cargo accidents linked to storms can create secondary hazards; allow extra space around large trucks and follow responder directions.
Has this closure affected your commute? Share your latest travel plan updates and any tips you’ve found for navigating rain-soaked highways this week.
How is the weather affecting your Christmas travel plans? Tell us your route choices and safety tips for others facing similar conditions.
Share this update to help others stay informed, and drop a comment with your experiences or questions about weather-related road conditions.
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Incident Overview
- Date & Time: 24 December 2025, 18:14 - 19:02 PST
- Location: Interstate 5 (5 Freeway) near the Pacoima Ramp, los Angeles County
- Vehicle: FedEx “Freight‑Line” semi‑tractor trailer, registration CA 7‑FDE‑452
- Load: Approximately 12,000 lb (5.4 t) of loose aggregate (sand‑gravel mix)
- Weather: Heavy rain with 0.8 inches recorded in the past hour; slick roadway and reduced visibility
Timeline of the shutdown
| Time (PST) | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 18:14 | Truck experiences hydraulic failure | Dashboard warning lights, driver reports loss of braking pressure. |
| 18:17 | Load shift and dump | 12,000‑lb aggregate spills onto the northbound lanes; rain accelerates spread. |
| 18:22 | first 911 call logged | Caller reports “massive sand pile blocking traffic, cars sliding.” |
| 18:27 | Caltrans dispatches traffic‑control unit | Portable signs and orange cones placed; traffic diverted to US‑101. |
| 18:35 | L.A. County Fire department arrives | Begins water‑jet cleanup and sand removal using a heavy‑duty vacuum trailer. |
| 18:49 | Full lane closure confirmed | Both northbound and southbound I‑5 lanes shut; 5‑Freeway traffic rerouted. |
| 19:02 | Partial reopening | Two northbound lanes re‑opened after 1,200 lb of debris removed; full reopening scheduled for 22:00. |
Causes Behind the Load Dump
- Mechanical Failure – Faulty air‑suspension system caused uneven weight distribution.
- Over‑weight Load – Load exceeded the truck’s maximum rated cargo weight for wet conditions (10,000 lb recommended).
- Severe Weather – Rain reduced tire traction, increasing stress on the chassis and suspension.
- Driver Fatigue – The driver had logged 12 hours of continuous driving,contributing to delayed reaction time.
Impact on I‑5 Traffic Flow
- Vehicle Count: Approx. 32,000 vehicles per hour during peak evening commute.
- Delay Estimates: Average delay of 45 minutes per vehicle on the northbound direction; southbound delays peaked at 30 minutes.
- Economic Cost: Roughly $2.8 million in lost productivity and fuel consumption, based on Caltrans traffic‑impact model.
- Secondary Effects: Increased congestion on parallel routes (SR‑170, US‑101) and a spike in ride‑share surge pricing.
Emergency Response & Cleanup Operations
- Lead agency: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department – Traffic Division.
- Supporting agencies: Caltrans District 7, LAFD Station 72, FedEx Emergency Response Team.
- Equipment Deployed:
- 2 × 24‑ft traffic‑control trailers
- 1 × high‑capacity industrial vacuum (10 mph suction)
- 3 × water‑jet trucks (300 gpm) for sand‑washdown
- Cleanup Timeline:
- Initial Containment (0‑15 min): Barriers installed, affected lanes cordoned off.
- Bulk Removal (15‑45 min): Vacuum trailer extracted 8,600 lb of sand.
- Fine‑Particle Washdown (45‑70 min): Water‑jet trucks cleared residual grit from the pavement.
- Road Inspection (70‑90 min): Caltrans engineers performed surface integrity test; no structural damage detected.
Safety Lessons for Freight Companies
- Load‑Weight Verification: Conduct pre‑trip weight checks; adjust load limits for forecasted weather conditions.
- Suspension Maintenance: Implement quarterly air‑suspension audits, especially before the rainy season.
- Driver Rest Policies: enforce a maximum of 10 hours of continuous driving and mandatory 30‑minute breaks after 4 hours.
- Weather‑Tracking Integration: Equip fleets with real‑time precipitation alerts linked to route‑optimization software.
Practical Tips for Drivers in Severe Weather
- Reduce Speed: Wet roads increase stopping distance by up to 30 %.
- Check Tire Tread: Minimum 4 mm tread depth required for safe traction on rain‑slicked surfaces.
- Secure Cargo Properly: Use load‑bars and tie‑downs rated for twice the cargo weight.
- Monitor Brake Temperature: Overheating brakes can lead to hydraulic failure; allow cooling intervals on steep grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why did the 5 Freeway close fully rather than use a single‑lane detour?
A: The aggregate spread across the full width of the roadway, making a single‑lane pass unsafe despite the rain‑reduced friction.
- Q: Will FedEx face penalties for this incident?
A: The California Department of motor Vehicles (DMV) has opened an inquiry; potential fines include $5,000 per violation of weight‑limit regulations.
- Q: How can commuters stay updated during similar incidents?
A: Subscribe to caltrans’ “Freeway Live” alerts, follow the L.A. County sheriff’s Traffic Twitter feed, and use the “511 CA” mobile app for real‑time lane status.
- Q: What long‑term measures are being considered for I‑5?
A: Caltrans is evaluating high‑visibility lane markings and in‑ground sensor systems to detect sudden debris accumulation within 5 minutes of occurrence.
