Big Rig Wreck Spills Cargo, Forces Highway Shutdown

An out of control big rig smashed into the center divider of the 60 Freeway late Friday morning in the City of Industry, damaging three vehicles and forcing a shutdown of lanes in both directions for several hours.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 10:00 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the 60 Freeway, east of the 605 Freeway interchange, where a big rig hauling aluminum framing materials suddenly veered into the center divider, then swerved back across all westbound lanes and crashed down a dirt embankment, spilling its cargo across lanes in both directions.

“As a result of [the crash], the [aluminum] rails came free and collided with a metal pole and spread across westbound and eastbound lanes,” said Officer Lillie of the CHP’s Altadena Office. As the big rig’s cargo spilled out into lanes, two sedans and a pickup truck were struck, inflicting minor injuries to one of the drivers. The two others declined medical treatment.

The driver of the big rig, a Mira Loma man estimated to be in his 50s, was sent to an area hospital for apparent minor injuries. The big rig itself was largely destroyed in the accident, with much of the cab’s front end smashed beyond repair. No others vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported.

Following the accident, all but a single lane of the freeway in each direction were shut down to allow for cleanup, and to pull the big rig out of the embankment. Removal of debris lasted for several hours, causing a significant backup through the San Gabriel Valley. By 3 p.m., all lanes eastbound lanes were reopened, though two on the westbound side remained closed to allow for a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown. At this time, there is no word on the influence of drugs or alcohol, some kind of mechanical failure, or the influence of another vehicle on the road.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in an accident involving a big rig such as this, you should seek help. Depending on the circumstances that surround your incident, you may be entitled to compensation from those at fault to help pay for the damages you’ve received. Recovering this compensation on your own can be a challenge however; only with the assistance of a skilled Los Angeles semi truck accident lawyer can you be assured of earning the full amount that you are rightfully owed.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we can guide you through the legal process and get you back onto your feet as quickly as possible. As always, we will charge you nothing for our legal services until your case is won. If we do not collect on your case, then you will owe us nothing. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn more about what our team of experts can do for you!