10 Freeway, PCH clogged by fatal big rig crash; traffic jammed

A crash involving two big rigs and a minivan Friday on the 10 Freeway in Santa Monica killed one person and seriously injured several others, officials said.

It was not immediately clear who was killed as crews continued to clear the crash site, California Highway Patrol Officer Peter Bishop said.

Santa Monica spokeswoman Robin Gee said the minivan was carrying seven people. One of two people severely injured in the crash had to be airlifted to a local hospital, she said. Six others were in moderate condition.

The westbound 10 Freeway remained closed Friday afternoon between Lincoln Boulevard and the California Incline on Pacific Coast Highway, causing widespread traffic jams as crews worked to clear the crash site.

PCH was temporarily closed after a SigAlert was issued at 1:11 p.m. but was reopened by 2:30 p.m.

Santa Monica police said on its Facebook page that the 10 Freeway closure was expected to last until at least 5 p.m.

Westbound traffic on the 10 was being diverted off at Lincoln. From there, drivers can turn right to Santa Monica or Wilshire boulevards, then left to Ocean Avenue. Drivers could then turn right and go to the California Incline to reach Pacific Coast Highway.

Gee urged drivers to be patient as authorities work within the road closure.