The fatal collision occurred on northbound Interstate 5 near Peltier Road at approximately 6:20 a.m.
San Joaquin County, CA – A mechanic was killed in a crash involving two big rigs on Interstate 5 near Acampo Tuesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred on northbound Interstate 5 near Peltier Road at approximately 6:20 a.m.
Preliminary reports indicate the mechanic was working beneath a disabled big rig on the right-hand shoulder when another big rig, a Volvo truck carrying cardboard, drifted off the roadway and struck the disabled vehicle. Authorities said the driver of the moving truck had been traveling in the No. 2 lane at about 50 mph when he reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer onto the shoulder.
The impact caused the undercarriage of the disabled truck to strike the mechanic, who was still underneath at the time. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries or arrests were reported.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though fatigue is believed to have been a contributing factor. It is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and secured the area while conducting the investigation.
The crash led to the closure of the No. 2 lane on northbound Interstate 5 for several hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the incident.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash.