Local News in Brief : 3 Die in Fiery Freeway Collision Near Valencia
A fiery collision of a big-rig truck with a car and a pickup truck on the Golden State Freeway near Valencia Monday night claimed the lives of three people, the California Highway Patrol said Tuesday.
The accident occurred about 10:20 p.m. south of Valencia Boulevard and blocked the southbound lanes until 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, CHP Officer Ralph Elvira said.
The officer said the pickup truck, pulling a 16-foot trailer, became disabled on the freeway and that the driver, Robert Young, 52, of San Bernardino, put two flares behind the truck.
A car driven by Arturo Avina, 27, of Venice pulled up behind the pickup, the officer said, and a truck hauling cucumbers came up at about 55 m.p.h., running over Avina’s car and setting it on fire. The truck, driven by Rony Jordan, 24, of Hollywood, then slammed into the pickup’s trailer, setting it on fire and throwing Young from the pickup, the officer said.
Elvira said Young, Avina and an unidentified man, about 25, who was riding with Avina died at the scene of burns and massive injuries.
Young’s wife, Fumiko, 55, suffered bruises and minor burns on her left hand and was treated at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia. Jordan was treated for minor injuries.
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