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Westminster, CA (January 9, 2026) – A devastating multi-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 405 left one person dead and another hospitalized on Wednesday evening near Bolsa Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision took place around 5:21 p.m. just south of Bolsa Ave, involving at least three vehicles, including a red Ford Mustang. The impact of the crash caused one of the cars to erupt into flames, quickly becoming fully engulfed as traffic came to a halt along the busy freeway.
Firefighters from the Westminster Fire Department arrived promptly at the scene, extinguishing the blaze while paramedics worked to assess those involved. One individual tragically died as a result of the incident. A second person sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Due to the severity of the crash and the vehicle fire, all southbound lanes of I-405 were temporarily closed, causing significant delays. The roadway was fully reopened just after 6:28 p.m., once emergency crews had cleared the scene and completed their on-site investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the fatal wreck. No identities have been released at this time.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and we hope for a swift recovery for the injured victim.
