SANTA CLARITA, CA. – A child and three adults died in a firey crash Thursday night. The incident involved a semi truck parked on the side of highway 5, and an SUV.
According to California Highway Patrol, the accident took place just after 7:30 p.m. on the northbound 5 Freeway at Calgrove Boulevard, just north of the interchange with the Antelope Valley Freeway.
Witnesses told CHP that the SUV was seen traveling around 100 miles per hour when it struck the rear end of the unmoving trailer that was hauling lumber.
The collision ignited a massive fire that spread up the hillside next to the freeway before being extinguished by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
When the first responders arrived the he SUV was stuck under the trailer and was completely engulfed in flames. Officials say the passengers inside of the SUV were two males, a female, and a child who appeared to have been under the age of 10. All died at the scene.
According to ABC7 News, coroners removed their bodies from the scene early Friday morning, but they may not be identified for a few more days.
The driver of the semi was unharmed.
NB I-5 #GoldenStateFwy lanes closed due to fatal accident and fire. Be prepared. Avoid the fwy. Use alternate routes. Delay your trip. @CHP_Newhall @CHPsouthern pic.twitter.com/7vVMlEAYOK
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) November 2, 2018
According to CHP all lanes of the highway were shut down for several hours. The lumber hauler was towed off and the highway reopened early Friday morning.
Investigators are still unsure of what caused the crash. If you have any information or know anything about the incident CHP asks that you call their Newhall office at (661) 294-5540
