710 Freeway lanes near Long Beach reopened after triple big rig crash

The collision of three tractor-trailers on the southbound 710 Freeway in Long Beach snarled morning traffic for hours Wednesday as crews worked to remove the mangled big rigs.

The collision, which occurred just after midnight, forced the closure of the 710 Freeway at two major junctions: West Willow Street and the southbound 405 Freeway connector.

The 710 Freeway and transition roads were reopened around 7:20 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

At least one of the big rigs was leaking fluids onto the highway, according to the CHP.

CHP Sgt. Chad New told KTLA that speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.

“The first truck involved was stopped … when the other vehicles came up and couldn’t slow down to a stop behind him,” New said.

Two men had to be freed from their trucks and taken to a hospital, according to ABC7. One person was listed in critical condition.

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UPDATES:

8:01 a.m.: This story was updated with the reopening of the freeway.

This story was originally published at 5:55 a.m.