One Person Killed After Car Bursts Into Flames on 605 Freeway Off-Ramp

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A car fire on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway turned fatal Saturday night, leaving one person dead after the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames on an off-ramp in West Whittier-Los Nietos, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a report at around 9:05 p.m. from a witness who saw a sedan on fire on the Slauson Avenue off-ramp. According to authorities, the person who called 911 said they attempted to open the car doors but could not get inside. They were unsure at the time whether anyone was trapped in the vehicle.

Emergency crews responded quickly, but by 9:24 p.m., the incident had been confirmed as a fatality. CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig stated that one individual was declared dead at the scene. The victim has not been publicly identified, and no further details about their age or gender were immediately released.

Scene Sealed

Following the fatal fire, the Florence Avenue off-ramp was closed to allow investigators to examine the area. It is unclear what caused the vehicle to ignite or whether the blaze followed a crash. Authorities have not released any information indicating foul play or criminal involvement at this stage.

Witness accounts were instrumental in the initial response. The individual who notified the CHP said they attempted to rescue the person inside but were forced back by the intensity of the flames. No other vehicles were reported in connection with the incident, and no additional injuries were confirmed.

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. Officers have not announced how long the off-ramp closure will last, but travelers have been advised to use alternative routes.

While relatively uncommon, fatal vehicle fires are taken seriously by law enforcement and fire officials. The CHP is expected to work with fire department personnel and the county coroner to determine the events leading up to the tragedy.

Investigators will likely examine possible mechanical failures, roadway conditions, or external influences. At this point, the CHP has not reported any signs suggesting a broader threat to public safety.

Authorities ask anyone with additional information to come forward, noting that eyewitness accounts and even dashcam footage from passing vehicles may prove valuable.

As of Sunday, the victim’s identity remains unconfirmed while officials attempt to notify next of kin. The loss has sparked concern among some residents about safety measures in the area, although no formal changes have been proposed.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more details become available.