Deadly, Wrong-Way Driver Crash on Interstate 405 Freeway, Hawthorne

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (July 21, 2026) – One person died early Tuesday in a collision involving a wrong-way driver on the Interstate (405) Freeway near Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway in Hawthorne.

The two-vehicle crash occurred when a southbound black sedan traveling at 80 mph in the northbound lanes collided with a second motorist, according to the California Highway Patrol.

It happened in the HOV lane around 12:49 a.m. on July 21st. One vehicle caught on fire on the right shoulder following the crash.

Sadly, there was one fatality and at least one other person was injured and taken to the hospital.

Police issued a Sigalert was at 1:03 a.m. and closed down all northbound lanes of the San Diego Freeway. Traffic was diverted off the roadway at Inglewood Avenue and the CHP reopened the HOV lane and lanes 1 and 2 at about 4 a.m..

The Sigalert was eventually cancelled at 5:20 a.m.

Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538

When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).