Crane Truck Flips Over, Kills Driver
The driver of a crane truck was killed Friday when the big rig flipped over in the westbound lanes of California 118, causing traffic tie-ups for several hours, authorities said.
Conrado Ortega, 48, of San Fernando, died from head injuries suffered in the 9 a.m. accident near Madera Road, authorities said. No other vehicles were involved.
California Highway Patrol officers closed all westbound lanes for five hours while they investigated the accident, allowing vehicles to pass only on the right shoulder. The accident also backed up eastbound traffic from Madera Road to Collins Drive in Moorpark.
The truck spilled 40 gallons of hydraulic oil onto the freeway. California Department of Transportation crews removed it before lanes were reopened.
CHP Officer Michael Dickerson said the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
