Man Dies After His Truck Rolls Over Him
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WESTMINSTER — A Pomona man was crushed to death Thursday after his truck rolled over him while he was underneath, apparently to fix a mechanical problem, police said.
They said the left rear wheels of a three-axle truck driven by Robert Ivo Vaughn Jr. rolled over his head on Magnolia Avenue near Hazard Avenue about 3:30 p.m.
Vaughn, 24, an employee with Irish Construction of Rosemead, apparently did not turn off the engine before climbing underneath the truck, according to Westminster Fire Department Capt. Craig Campbell.
Despite an earlier talk with his supervisor about seeking a mechanic, Vaughn scooted underneath the truck because it was idling loudly, Campbell said.
As his supervisor stood by the truck, Vaughn “grabbed a lever that kicked it into drive,” sending the truck forward along Magnolia Avenue until it struck a power pole and stopped about two blocks north at Jennrich Avenue, Campbell said.
Officials with Irish Construction could not be reached for comment.
There were no other injuries.
Westminster paramedics treated Vaughn at the scene, but he died en route to UCI Medical Center in Orange, Westminster Police Sgt. Dave Stronach said.
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