Wrong-Way Driver Kills Two, Injures Several in Pasadena Freeway Crash

Two people were killed and several others injured after a wrong-way driver caused a multi-car collision on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena early Sunday morning, authorities reported. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene at 8:12 a.m. after receiving reports of a crash on the westbound freeway near North San Rafael Avenue.

Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian confirmed that one person died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries after being transported to a hospital. Three individuals sustained significant injuries, and one reported minor complaints. Derderian described the crash as “one of the most horrific” first responders had seen in years due to the severity of the impact and injuries.

CHP logs indicated that a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane, leading to the collision. An emergency helicopter was deployed to search for potential victims ejected from vehicles, though no additional fatalities were reported. Traffic on the westbound lanes was diverted at Fair Oaks Avenue, with the freeway reopening later in the day.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Derderian praised the rapid response of local police, fire trucks, and ambulances, which arrived within minutes of the incident. The Sigalert issued at 8:34 a.m. was canceled by 1:08 p.m., but side streets remained congested as traffic was rerouted.