Icy conditions, fatality on 14 Freeway causing major traffic backup

PALMDALE, Calif. - One person was killed in a crash between a vehicle and a big rig Friday morning on the northbound 14 Freeway in Palmdale.

The accident occurred near the Palmdale Boulevard exit at 2:55 a.m. and prompted the closure of all northbound lanes of the freeway for an unknown duration, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The big rig was loaded with approximately 31,000 pounds of unknown
cargo, the CHP said.

The northbound Palmdale Boulevard on-ramp was closed about 3:20 a.m. and a Sigalert was issued for all northbound lanes of the freeway until further notice.

The No. 1 lane was later reopened but the other lanes remain closed.

The crash and subsequent death and accident investigation has caused a massive traffic jam on the 14 Freeway, according to the CHP.

The age, gender and name of the victim were not disclosed. The victim's name will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation.