Woman Killed in Fiery Crash

A 56-year-old woman died Sunday and several others were injured in a fiery freeway crash near Sylmar that involved at least half a dozen vehicles, authorities said.

Authorities believe that alcohol may have been a factor, said Officer Rosa Ray of the California Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred about 5:30 p.m. when a small pickup truck parked along the center divider of the southbound Golden State Freeway, near the San Diego Freeway, was apparently rear-ended by a larger pickup truck, said Brian Humphrey, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman. The smaller truck was knocked on its side and burst into flames.

A female passenger in the small truck, which authorities believe had broken down, died at the scene, Humphrey said. The male driver had walked away from the truck before the crash and was not injured.

The driver of the larger pickup was transported to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition.

Two small girls and a woman in the large pickup suffered minor injuries.

A pregnant woman in a third vehicle involved in the crash was taken to Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Humphrey said.