Available 
Montebello, CA (May 23, 2026) – Today, one person lost their life, and another person was hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision early on the eastbound 60 Freeway near the Paramount Blvd exit in Montebello.
The accident was reported around 2:33 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers arrived to find one person in the middle lanes of the freeway. Another occupant remained trapped inside a black sedan that had struck a freeway wall.
Emergency units freed the second person from the damaged car before the patient was taken to a hospital. The extent of those injuries was not released. The deceased person’s name, age, and gender had not been made public as of Saturday morning.
Traffic along the eastbound freeway was heavily affected for several hours after a SigAlert closed all lanes near Paramount Blvd. The roadway reopened shortly after 6 a.m; investigators continue working to determine how the collision unfolded.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the person who died.
What Happens After a Fatal Freeway Collision?
After a deadly freeway wreck, crews frequently spend hours clearing damaged vehicles and examining evidence from the roadway. Investigators may review skid marks, debris patterns, vehicle positions, and freeway camera footage to better piece together what happened before the vehicles came to a stop.
Medical evaluations also remain part of the process for surviving occupants. Even when someone is conscious after a highway crash, injuries may become more noticeable later due to shock or adrenaline. Vehicle damage and seating positions can also help explain how those inside were affected.
Lane closures are common during these cases because investigators need enough space to safely document the roadway. Heavy overnight traffic and reduced visibility can sometimes make freeway crashes more difficult to avoid, especially when vehicles stop unexpectedly in travel lanes.
