Big Rig Crash Crushes Sedan, Kills Driver

A two-stage accident involving a small sedan and two big rigs killed the automobile driver and closed freeway lanes for several hours early Thursday morning in Montebello.

According to California Highway Patrol officer Bill Preciado, the ordeal took place just before 3 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the 60 Freeway near Garfield Avenue, where a small sedan crashed into the back of a big rig before being crashed into by another.

“We do believe that there were two separate collisions,” said Preciado. “One, a passenger vehicle collided into the rear of a big rig. Shortly thereafter, a subsequent big rig collided into that passenger vehicle, thus crushing that vehicle with the initial big rig.”

The driver of the small sedan, a man in his thirties, was pronounced dead at the scene by accident responders. More information about his identity has yet to be released, as the county coroner’s office is still working to notify his next of kin. Neither of the big rig drivers was hurt.

The man’s vehicle was completely destroyed in the accident, with both ends becoming collapsed in on themselves. From images taken at the scene, it was impossible to even tell the make and model of the vehicle. All that remained was a pile of twisted metal resembling an accordion.

At this time there is little information as to what may have caused the crash. An investigation has been launched by the CHP to determine what caused the sedan to crash into the back for the first big rig. It is unclear if high speeds, drugs, or alcohol were involved.

The crash forced the closure of all westbound lanes for multiple hours as crews worked to remove the debris from the accident from active lanes. By 5:45 a.m., a single lane was reopened, as were the remaining lanes a short time later. Morning commuters looking to avoid the backup caused by the closure were rerouted to the 10 Freeway as a means of reaching downtown Los Angeles.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a freeway accident such as this, we can help. Depending on the circumstances that led to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you recover.

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