Child Killed, SigAlert Issued After Big Rig Crash On Santa Monica Freeway

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — A deadly accident Friday in the tunnel that connects the Pacific Coast Highway with the 10 Freeway prompted a SigAlert for Interstate 10 in Santa Monica, officials said.

A child was killed, and seven others were hurt when a semi truck, a dump truck and a minivan collided around 12:35 p.m. in the McClure Tunnel, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash shut down the tunnel and the westbound Santa Monica Freeway at Lincoln Boulevard. It also snarled traffic on the southbound PCH leading to the tunnel, said CHP Officer Peter Bishop. The tunnel was reopened shortly before 7 p.m.

A total of eight people in the minivan were transported for treatment, including two children under the age of 12 in critical condition, according to the Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Tom Clemo. One of the children later died from their injuries. CHP has not released the age or gender of the child killed. The other victims were listed in moderate condition at press time.

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All lanes were initially shut down, until officials were able to reopen the eastbound side just after 2 p.m.

Westbound lanes remained closed through the late afternoon into the evening.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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