Fiery Crash Blocks Lanes On 101 Freeway Near Universal Studios

LOS ANGELES, CA — A car burst into flames on the 101 Freeway Friday morning after crashing into a barrier near Universal Studios, blocking lanes and snarling traffic.

The single-vehicle crash was reported at around 8:28 a.m. on the northbound 101 Freeway near Universal Center Drive, according to California Highway Patrol incident logs.

Witnesses reported seeing the driver of a Scion sedan cut across multiple lanes of traffic, possibly attempting to reach an exit, before crashing into a wall, according to the CHP.

The vehicle initially began smoking before catching fire.

By 9 a.m., CHP officers confirmed the car was on fire, blocking the two right lanes of the freeway. Officers reported that approximately 80% of the vehicle had burned within minutes.

A SigAlert issued at 8:50 a.m. warned of stop-and-go traffic on the northbound freeway, with congestion stretching back to Hollywood Boulevard.

As of around 9:20 a.m., the two right lanes remained blocked near Universal Center Drive, with delays of up to 10 minutes.

A tow truck was requested to remove the burned vehicle.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured in the crash.