Upended Van On I-5, Injury Crash Closes Lanes In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — An overturned white passenger van on southbound I-5 Santa Ana Freeway caused traffic chaos Thursday morning in Mission Viejo. At least one person was injured when the van overturned, blocking the #4 lane, California Highway Patrol reported.

One individual suffered minor injuries in the collision which occurred just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning, according to officers on the scene. CHP arrived on scene, and it was unclear how the accident occurred. It is not known how severe the person's injuries were in the crash.

The van was upside down on the right shoulder embankment, approximately 30 feet from the roadway, according to witnesses. The lanes were slowly released back to open, and all southbound traffic was cleared to pass through by 9:15 a.m.

As of 9:30 a.m. traffic remained heavy through Mission Viejo from Los Alisos Boulevard through La Paz, Oso Parkway and clearing at last at Crown Valley Parkway.

Photo: Renee Schiavone