Dashcam Video: Multiple Vehicles Involved in Deadly Crash After Over-Height Semi Hits California Overpass
Multiple vehicles were involved in a crash on Thursday after an over-height semi-truck in California hit a steel overpass support beam. The beam fell onto the 10 Freeway in Ontario, blocking lanes and causing the crash.
The accident occurred at 3:19 a.m., so the darkness reduced visibility. Drivers were unable to see the fallen steel beam until it was too late to stop.
The semi-truck that hit the support structure for the 15 Freeway Express Lanes and Freight Corridor project above the 10 Freeway was carrying heavy machinery. ABC 7 News reports that it was hauling an excavator on a flatbed.
The excavator knocked the steel beam loose when it struck the bottom of the under-construction freeway overpass. The beam then fell onto the freeway but did not appear to hit anyone.
As dashcam video shows, two cars in the fast lane rammed directly into the beam without slowing and were brought to an instant stop. Emergency personnel transported both drivers to Arrowhead Medical with major injuries. Unfortunately, one of them passed away.
Due to the death of one of the drivers, the cleanup from the crash and the investigation into it shut down the entire westbound side of the 10 Freeway for six hours.
Similar incidents involving over-height semi-trucks hitting overpasses
ABC 7 News reported that a similar incident occurred approximately three months ago on the opposite side of the freeway. In that case, no fallen beam caused the delays, but an over-height semi did clip the overpass.
“If you’re operating any of these commercial vehicles, you are required to know what is supposed to add height requirements to make sure that we’re making it safe for all public motorists out there,” said Joe Garcia, an officer with the California Highway Patrol.
In November, a semi hit a bridge in Kansas so hard that the 55,000-pound excavator it was hauling punched a hole in the road above it. About one month later, an “illegally over-height” semi truck damaged six county bridges in Oklahoma. Crews had to shut down four of the bridges to allow for inspections and repairs.
