LA sanitation truck fire prompts 5 Freeway closure in both directions in Arleta

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Los Angeles city sanitation truck burning alongside the southbound 5 Freeway near Van Nuys Boulevard in the Arleta area prompted the freeway to be closed in both directions Tuesday afternoon.

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert at around 3:48 p.m., closing all southbound and northbound lanes due to the vehicle fire. At about 4:16 p.m., the CHP announced that the H.O.V. and #1 lanes on the southbound side were open, while all other southbound lanes would remain closed until further notice.

As of 9:27 p.m., all lanes are open.

The driver of the truck was able to get out of the vehicle, according to CHP.

Los Angeles Fire Department crews worked to extinguish the flames.

A dense cloud of smoke could be seen blanketing the area. AIR7 was over the scene where traffic was stopped and backed up for miles due to the closure. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report