Collision kills big-rig driver

The driver of a big rig was killed Tuesday afternoon when a car that veered out of the carpool lane and into traffic on the 210 Freeway caused the tractor-trailer to crash and explode, authorities said.

The incident was reported about 1:45 p.m. on the 210 just west of Rosemead Boulevard, the California Highway Patrol said.

According to Officer Heather Hoglund, the driver of a white Honda traveling east on the freeway lost control and veered across several lanes before crashing into the big rig, causing the truck to lose control and go over the side of the freeway.

Authorities believe the truck’s gas tank exploded after the crash, igniting a fire that destroyed the cab. The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Honda ended up in the No. 4 or 5 lane of the freeway, facing traffic, Hoglund said. Its driver and two passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated and released, she said.

The eastbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours.

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-- Paloma Esquivel