A chain reaction crash on the northbound 101 Freeway in Encino early Saturday morning claimed the life of 19‑year‑old Chaz Castillo, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident happened just before 2 a.m. near White Oak Avenue, where traffic was light but visibility was limited.
Investigators said the crash began when a vehicle stalled in the first lane after hitting the center divider. Its hazard lights were on, but the car remained in the fast lane. Moments later, a second vehicle struck the stalled car from behind at a high rate of speed.
Shortly after the initial collision, additional drivers stopped and stepped out of their vehicles to assess the situation. Video from the scene showed two people standing near the damaged cars with their backs to oncoming traffic. A third vehicle then slammed into the stopped cars, triggering a multi‑vehicle pileup involving up to five vehicles.
Castillo was one of the drivers who had exited his vehicle. He was struck during the secondary impact and suffered fatal injuries. Emergency crews found him trapped beneath one of the vehicles and pronounced him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed his identity.
Authorities said no other injuries were immediately reported. A SigAlert was issued at 2:38 a.m., shutting down all northbound lanes for several hours while investigators documented the scene and crews cleared the wreckage. Lanes reopened shortly before 9 a.m.
The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation. CHP officials said they are looking into whether speed or impairment may have played a role. They also reminded drivers that if a vehicle becomes disabled in a freeway lane, it is safer to remain inside with seatbelts fastened and call 911 rather than standing outside near moving traffic.
