Driver Abandons Car After Her Passenger Dies Causing Traffic Mess On The 405

SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — A driver abandoned her car Sunday afternoon -- after her passenger died --  causing a major traffic nightmare on the 405 in Sherman Oaks.

The 40-something driver apparently panicked after her 60-something passenger died.

LAPD Lt. Steven Harer said, "The Coroner came out. Initial appearances ... I would guess it was an overdose of some kind."

It happened around noon at the always-busy interchange where the 405 freeway and 101 meet in Sherman Oaks, said authorities.

Traffic came to a virtual standstill, for hours, as one lane was incapacitated.

The driver was distressed and distraught and was treated at the scene and then transported to the hospital.

The names of both women were withheld.