Big rig driver could face charges for bicyclist’s crushing death

A big rig driver could potentially face charges in the death of a bicyclist who was crushed by a cargo container that was knocked loose after striking a railroad overcrossing in Carson, authorities said Wednesday.

The big rig struck the overpass around 5:05 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Warnock Way, according to Melanie Flores, supervising dispatcher with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The bicyclist, who died at the scene, was identified by the coroner’s office as Robert Castorena, 51, of Long Beach.

The container fell on its side, landing on top of Castorena as he was riding by.

Officials from the sheriff’s department’s Carson Station were investigating the accident.

The bridge was clearly marked as having a 14-foot, 5-inch clearance, sheriff’s Sgt. Craig Calzada of the Carson Station said.

Investigators are examining the height of the container, which was empty, and other factors, Calzada said. Asked if the driver could face criminal charges, Calzada said, “It’s possible, once we conclude our investigation.”

The driver was close to his destination, where he was scheduled to stop for the night, Calzada said.

ABC7 identified the trucking company as Western Pride Inc. out of Cedar City, Utah. The station also reported that trucks in the past have narrowly fit under the bridge, with some actually scraping the bottom as they passed under it.

The bicyclist, Calzada said, was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

— Wire reports