Here is a brief compilation of recent big rig accidents that occurred in California.
Two big rigs collide: This one was a fatal truck accident near Westley in Stanislaus County involving two big rigs on the Interstate 5, according to this news article on Channel 10’s Web site. A 50-year-old man from Sacramento was killed in the crash and resulting explosion. One of the trucks reportedly slammed on to the back of another that had stalled or stopped in the slow lane.
Injury accident: At least one person was injured on the 60 eastbound in the City of Industry after a big rig overturned. According to this news article in the Pasadena Star News, the truck was carrying 35,000 pounds of cargo, but there were no spills reported as a result of the accident.
Tractor trailer accident: A big rig driver and his passenger were injured after their 2006 Freightliner went out of control and crashed leaving the tractor and part of the trailer dangling off the bridge. According to an article in the Riverside Press Enterprise the big rig went across all lanes of traffic drifted through the median and went across opposing lanes of traffic as well before crashing. Officials suspect driver fatigue may have played a role in the accident.
Injury collision: Several people were reportedly injured near Ceres when a big rig collided with a Chevrolet Blazer, according to this news report. The big rig was reportedly on its side and both vehicles were posing a traffic hazard.
Semi vs. sports car: One person was killed when a semi truck collided with a sports car on the Highway 166 near Santa Maria, according to a report on KSBY-TV. The driver of the sports car who died, 41- year-old Charles McAtee, was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt. He was ejected through the windshield and on to the roadway. The driver of the semi walked away from the wreckage, but complained of pain. The accident is under investigation.