Authorities Friday released the name of a man who died when a box truck caught fire after being rear-ended by a Tesla that was possibly involved in street racing or road rage.
The crash was reported about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at Seventh Street and Margo Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Officers arrived at the scene to find Long Beach Fire Department personnel working to free a man, later identified by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner as Jose Cesena, trapped inside a 2017 Mitsubishi Fuso box truck.
“Despite lifesaving efforts, the driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene,” according to an LBPD statement. “Two passengers from the box truck, along with the driver of a 2023 Tesla Model 3, were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.”
No age or city of residence was disclosed for Cesena.
According to preliminary findings, the Tesla and a dark-colored Subaru were allegedly involved in a road rage incident.
“While traveling eastbound on Seventh Street, the vehicles were observed weaving through traffic at unsafe speeds,” police said. “The Tesla subsequently rear-ended the box truck, which was transporting hazardous materials. The force of the impact caused the box truck to collide with a brick sound wall, break through the wall and overturn.”
No hazardous materials were released, police said.
The hospitalized Tesla driver is a 31-year-old San Diego resident, police said. The person’s name was not immediately released.
“At this time, speed and reckless driving appear to be contributing factors in the collision,” police said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision was urged to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detective Ashley Van Holland at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477).