Two Drivers Killed in Fiery Crash Identified by Coroner’s Office
The Orange County coroner’s office on Tuesday released the identities of the two men who died in a fiery tanker truck crash on a busy freeway interchange last week.
The driver of the tanker, which was carrying 8,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, was identified as James Richard Thompson, 44, of Lytle Creek. Thompson’s vehicle toppled Friday as it was making the transition from the westbound Riverside Freeway to the northbound Santa Ana Freeway.
Also killed in the accident was Sarkis Kostanian of Glendale. Kostanian’s Ford Crown Victoria sedan collided with the truck, and both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
Kostanian died at the scene. Thompson escaped from his cab but suffered burns over 98% of his body. He died Saturday afternoon.
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