Big-rig trouble on 405 Freeway

A SigAlert was called on the northbound 405 Freeway near Getty Center Drive this afternoon after smoke started pouring out from underneath a big-rig carrying new cars, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Three lanes were shut down at 2:35 p.m. as the CHP and firefighters responded. The 18-wheeler was on the side of the freeway and cars were still able to squeeze by in the open lanes, but a traffic jam was beginning to develop, said CHP Officer Anthony Martin. Martin said officers expected the SigAlert to be short-lived.

-- Phil Willon