101 Freeway Reopens In Cahuenga Pass After 2-Car Collision, Suspicious Package Investigation

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A two-car collision and suspicious package investigation on the 101 Freeway in the Cahuenga Pass shut down north and southbound lanes Tuesday night, snarling traffic in the area for hours.

Authorities were called to the southbound 101 near Highland Avenue after a report of a collision just after 6 p.m.

A CHP spokesperson said officers noticed smoke coming from one of the vehicles that was not being emitted from the engine.

A bomb squad and SWAT officers were called to the scene to investigate a report of suspicious packages in that vehicle. Investigators determined there was no threat.

Southbound lanes, which had been blocked from Vineland Avenue, were reopened by 9 p.m. Northbound lanes were closed at Universal but had reopened by 8:30 p.m. Surrounding surface streets remained jammed through the evening.

One of the drivers involved was taken to the hospital and questioned.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A L.A. County Sheriff's transit officer tells CBS2 the driver could be charged at a later time.

No further details were immediately available.