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Woodland Hills, CA (April 22, 2026) – One person was killed early Wednesday morning, April 22, in a two-vehicle crash on the northbound U.S. 101 Freeway near Valley Circle Boulevard.
The collision was reported around 1:30 a.m. and involved two cars. Emergency units responded to the scene, where one individual was pronounced dead. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
All northbound lanes of the freeway were shut down following the crash and remained closed for several hours, reopening around 5:00 a.m. The cause of the accident has not been determined.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Freeway Crashes Often Lead to Extended Lane Closures
Crashes on major freeways can result in long closures to manage traffic flow and secure the scene. When fatalities occur, additional steps are often required before lanes can safely reopen.
Investigators may need time to examine vehicle positions, roadway markings, and debris patterns. This process helps determine how the crash occurred and whether factors such as speed or driver actions were involved.
Heavy traffic volumes on freeways can also complicate cleanup efforts. Crews must remove damaged vehicles and clear debris before restoring normal traffic conditions, which can delay early-morning commuters.
