A 50-year-old Simi Valley man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway in Sun Valley in which alcohol may have played a role and another driver suffered minor injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fatal crash took place on the southbound 5 Freeway, just north of the interchange to the Hollywood (170) Freeway, about 10:05 p.m. Saturday, according to CHP Officer S. Suazo.
The driver who died was reportedly driving erratically just before he crashed his 2005 Saturn Ion into the center divider and then ended up coming to rest in carpool lane facing the wrong way on the freeway, according to Suazo.
Nicole Castaneda, 24, of Sylmar was driving a 1997 Toyota Camry south on the 5 Freeway in the carpool lane when her vehicle collided with the Saturn, Suazo said.
The Simi Valley driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was withheld pending his identification and notification of next of kin.
Castaneda suffered only minor injuries and refused medical treatment, according to Suazo.
The CHP issued a SigAlert at 10:14 p.m. Saturday, shutting down the carpool and number 1 and 2 lanes on the 5 Freeway, just before the interchange with the 170 Freeway, according to Suazo.
The SigAlert was cancelled around 2 a.m. Sunday and the lanes were reopened.
Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, according to Suazo.
Anyone who may know the identity of the deceased man was asked to call the coroner’s office at (323) 343-0714.
Anyone with information on the crash was asked to call CHP Officer Bejaar at (626) 296-8100.
–City News Service