A 47-year-old motorist who crashed into a parked big rig along Pearblossom Highway in Littlerock and died in a second deadly collision on the roadway in less than 12 hours was identified Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
The crash occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. Monday, when a 2012 Dodge minivan traveling about 65 mph westbound on the highway east of Hampel Avenue veered to the right, striking a 2014 Kenworth truck with an attached trailer, according to the California Highway Patrol.
“The 2014 Kenworth and trailer were parked on the right shoulder of state Route 138, east of Hampel (Avenue). … The occupant of the Kenworth was sleeping in the truck tractor,” according to a CHP statement.
It was unclear why the driver of the Dodge veered to the right.
According to coroner’s officials, Fernando Gomez Paniagua died at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries.
Investigators have not determined if alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
The truck driver was not injured.
Anyone with information regarding the crash was urged to contact Antelope Valley-area CHP Officer E. Alonzo at 661-948-8541. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 323-259-3200.
At around 8:15 p.m. Sunday, a two-vehicle collision on Pearblossom Highway near 106th Street East, also in the small Littlerock area, killed five people.