An abandoned backpack on a sidewalk on a bridge over the 5 Freeway led to the deployment of squads of authorities while investigations were conducted.
Burbank police said the closure of all northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Burbank Boulevard was done as a preventative measure after the discovery of the unattended backpack billowing smoke on the overpass.
A passerby reported the suspicious backpack on Burbank Boulevard around 1:30 p.m.
“We understand that this is a busy time of day for travelers. The Burbank Police Department is working with the Sheriff’s Department to bring this investigation to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible,” Burbank police said in a statement. release.
Officers confirmed that the backpack was emitting smoke and immediately called the Sheriff’s Department’s Arsonous and Explosive Fire Department to investigate.
All lanes of the northbound 5 Freeway had been closed since before 2:18 p.m., according to Caltrans. The authorities reported that the highway will be reopened soon.
Burbank police sent an update at 4:12 pm confirming that “the police investigation into the Burbank overpass is concluding. Interstate 5 will reopen momentarily. The Burbank Boulevard overpass will reopen as soon as emergency vehicles and equipment have cleared”.
