5 Freeway’s lanes in Norwalk now open in both directions after fatal motorcycle crash

The southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway in Norwalk have been reopened, hours after a fatal motorcycle accident snarled the Thursday morning commute.

The lanes had been closed between Pioneer Boulevard and the 605 Freeway, and traffic had been diverted to the 605.

The northbound lanes were reopened earlier.

A preliminary investigation found that several motorcyclists were traveling north on the freeway at Pioneer around 4:25 a.m. when one of the bikers flew over the median onto the southbound lanes, said California Highway Patrol Officer Krystal Carter.

Vehicles stuck between the 605 and the site of the accident were being allowed to drive off on the right shoulder, she said.

The CHP was still investigating the fatality, she said.

A second collision, unrelated to the motorcycle accident, was reported in the area involving a big rig which rear-ended a stopped vehicle, Carter said. No injuries were reported.

-- My-Thuan Tran