Truck Crash Blocks Freeway for 12 Hours
Two big rigs involved in a chain-reaction crash early Monday blocked the Antelope Valley Freeway for 12 hours after fire engulfed one of the trucks.
The crash, at about 1:30 a.m. on the northbound section of the freeway, occurred when the driver of a semi-trailer carrying milk to Lancaster fell asleep at the wheel. The driver, Kristof Purba, 36, of Upland, swerved his truck into a concrete bridge railing at Santiago Road, ripping off his third axle, according to California Highway Patrol officers.
The impact with the railing ruptured the gas tank and ignited the truck.
Another truck following about 300 yards behind, driven by Timothy Jolls, 36, of Palmdale, crashed into the axle.
Neither driver was injured, CHP officers said.
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