Altadena, CA (May 23, 2025) – A major traffic collision involving an overturned big rig and another vehicle led to serious injuries and widespread disruption Friday morning on the eastbound I-210 Freeway near North Baldwin Avenue in Altadena. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the incident at approximately 6:54 a.m., confirming the crash resulted in major injuries and prompted an extended SigAlert.
According to CHP reports, the big rig overturned following a collision with an unidentified vehicle, blocking the slow lane and partially spilling its load. Witnesses reported that the semi-truck ended up on its side, carrying approximately 20,000 pounds of lumber. Debris and wreckage spread across the roadway, with traffic quickly backing up as emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
Arcadia Police Department and the Arcadia Fire Department joined the response. Firefighters treated the injured at the scene, and paramedics transported at least one individual to a local hospital with serious injuries. The identity and current condition of the injured party have not yet been released.
Efforts to recover the overturned semi-truck were extensive. Two heavy-duty tow trucks were requested, one for the tractor and another for the trailer. As part of the recovery operation, officials shut down both directions of Colorado Boulevard at Old Ranch Road to allow crews to drag the wreckage onto a safer surface for removal. The Michillinda Avenue on-ramp to eastbound I-210 was also closed and is expected to remain blocked for approximately two hours.
The Transportation Management Center issued a formal SigAlert affecting the #4 and #5 lanes, advising drivers to expect heavy delays and seek alternate routes.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether speed, driver error, mechanical issues, or road conditions played a role in the crash. Residents in the area reported hearing the crash from their homes, underscoring the severity of the impact.
We send our best wishes for a full recovery to those injured in this serious freeway incident.
Big Rig Accidents in California
Collisions involving big rigs on California freeways frequently result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. Friday morning’s crash on I-210 near Baldwin Avenue demonstrates the enormous logistical and safety challenges associated with such incidents—especially when a semi-truck overturns on a busy commuter route.
Altadena and neighboring Arcadia are traversed by numerous commercial vehicles daily, particularly along corridors like I-210 that serve as crucial east-west arteries through Los Angeles County. When a semi-truck overturns, the risk of injury is heightened not only by the collision itself but also by shifting cargo, loss of vehicle control, and secondary crashes during recovery.
In this case, the truck’s load of 20,000 pounds of lumber added significant complexity to cleanup efforts, requiring heavy-duty equipment and coordination between multiple agencies. The extended lane closures and SigAlert underscore how disruptive and dangerous such events can be for all freeway users.
To prevent big rig crashes, transportation officials stress the importance of vehicle maintenance, driver rest compliance, and heightened vigilance in mixed traffic zones. For everyday drivers, maintaining a safe distance from commercial trucks and avoiding their blind spots are key defensive strategies.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, accessing resources quickly is vital to your recovery.
Accidents involving large trucks can change lives in an instant. At Local Accident Reports, we provide timely updates and critical support services for those affected by commercial vehicle collisions. Whether you’re seeking medical referrals, legal guidance, or help with insurance issues, our team is here to walk you through the next steps. Contact Local Accident Reports today for compassionate, informed support when you need it most.
