7-Vehicle Crash on the 405 Sends 4 to Hospital

A big-rig driver, who said he was cut off on the San Diego Freeway in Costa Mesa, clipped a van and set off a seven-vehicle crash that sent four people to the hospital, officials said.

The accident occurred about 11:45 a.m. just south of Bristol Avenue in the southbound lanes. The truck driver, Elezar Landaverde, 36, told California Highway Patrol officers that a van crossed in front of him as it was trying to merge onto the Costa Mesa freeway.

“I braked hard, but I couldn’t avoid the hit,” Landaverde said.

Landaverde’s rear brakes locked up, and the truck veered sideways, taking vehicles with it, said CHP Officer Steve Licon. Investigators believe he also hit an SUV, which rolled three times. One passenger had to be cut out and was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

The accident set off other small crashes. When emergency crews arrived, “we had cars strung out pretty much all over the freeway,” CHP Officer Brad Gardea said. The remaining three injuries were minor.

The crash backed up traffic for a few miles, and the Bristol Avenue onramp to the southbound lanes was closed temporarily, but the CHP and tow trucks were able to clear the scene in about an hour.