CHINO HILLS, Calif. (AP) — A contract worker was killed and another was seriously injured when a box truck veered onto the shoulder of a Southern California freeway, authorities said.
The crash happened Monday morning as a cleanup crew of about seven employees hired by Caltrans was working behind a guardrail along State Route 71 in Chino Hills, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Peterbilt box truck sideswiped the workers’ parked van and barreled through the guardrail, striking two people, said CHP Officer Rodrigo Jimenez.
A 54-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by the Chino Valley Fire Department. The second worker, a 36-year-old man, was hospitalized with major injuries, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The 34-year-old driver of the box truck was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. The driver, a resident of Pomona, complied with a sobriety test and was not impaired, Jimenez said.
The man was not arrested. Investigators were still trying to determine why he lost control on the highway about 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Los Angeles.
Two northbound lanes were closed into Monday afternoon.
China's experience with gender equality shared at UN
Fiji pins growth hopes on Chinese tourists, plans direct flights from HK
Chinese mainland travelers to Hong Kong airport will be exempted from entry permits
China to establish coal capacity reserve system by 2027
Lin Xiaojun wins 500m gold at short track speed skating worlds
Nadal beats Djokovic in straight sets to win 13th French Open title
Nine trucks arrive in Russia on trial run of new highway connecting China, Mongolia and Russia
Xi Pledges Allegiance to Constitution
Over 500 rescuers rush to put out forest fire in southwest China