BURBANK (CNS) - An unattended backpack emitting smoke on a Golden State (5) Freeway overpass prompted an hours-long shutdown of the northbound highway, causing a miles-long backup that snarled evening rush hour traffic.
Police and fire officials responded to the Burbank Boulevard overpass around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a call about the backpack, according to Burbank Police Department Lt. Derek Green. The suspicious nature of the item prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson and Explosives Detail to respond as well.
With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, the northbound 5 was shut down in the area as a precaution for public safety, according to Green.
Burbank Boulevard was also shut down over the freeway.
The smoking backpack eventually caught fire as it was being examined by bomb squad technicians, and it completely burned.
The northbound freeway finally reopened at about 5 p.m., but traffic was backlogged well into East Los Angeles.
It was still unknown exactly what was inside the backpack causing it to smoke and burn, police said. It was also unclear how the backpack wound up at the location.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3231.