Car Carrier Hits Bridge, Snarling Traffic

A large carrier truck loaded with a fleet of new cars failed to clear the Central Avenue overpass on the Ventura Freeway on Friday, causing one car to tumble off the rig and scattering debris across all lanes, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 6:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes, resulting in a mile-long backup of drivers headed to the county’s east side, authorities said. No one was injured.

According to the California Highway Patrol, vehicles on the top of the car carrier slammed into the bridge, causing one to dislodge and two others to be heavily damaged. The car that was tossed came to rest in the slow lane.

During the investigation, at least two of the freeway’s three lanes were closed for an hour while debris was swept up, authorities said. At least one passing motorist suffered a flat tire after driving over debris.