Big rig, multiple vehicles in fiery freeway crash in Pomona

A fiery crash on the 10 Freeway in Pomona on August 19 left one person dead and ten injured. It also left all lanes of the freeway closed in both directions overnight as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and clean up spilled fuel. Four of the injured people were in critical condition at a local hospital.

The car accident, which involved a big rig truck and several other vehicles, occurred around 8:30 p.m. on the eastbound 10 near Towne Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the big rig, which was filled with furniture, collided with the other vehicles. One of them became stuck under the truck, and burst into flames.

The back of the truck also appeared to have caught on fire. According to a witness, as the big rig sat on the road in flames, new explosions could be heard. Los Angeles County firefighters were still trying to extinguish the flames as helicopters arrived to transport the injured to the hospital. The situation was made even more dangerous by the fact that approximately 100 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the big rig onto the freeway.

As with any major freeway accident in Southern California, traffic was significantly impacted. Four other vehicles were involved in a second accident in the area. It was not clear if or how this accident was related to the chaotic scene of the big rig crash. Eastbound lanes of the 10 remained closed overnight and into the early morning commute hours, but CHP allowed cars to use the center median. Morning commuters were advised to use alternate freeways to avoid the scene.

It has not yet been determined what caused this accident, or who was at fault. Anyone who has been injured in a vehicle accident, or who has lost a loved one in a collision, should contact a law firm with experience in personal injury law and with people who have been the victims of automobile accidents. Injury attorneys can help ensure that the person who is at fault is held responsible for any medical bills and other expenses, and well as for pain and suffering.

Source: The Los Angeles Times, “1 dead, 10 hurt in big-rig crash on 10 Freeway in Pomona” Robert J. Lopez, Aug. 20, 2013