A big rig traveling at an unsafe speed on the 405 Freeway early Tuesday rear-ended an SUV, killing its driver and causing an hourlsong closure of multiple lanes through the Sepulveda Pass, officials said.
Craig Zackery was driving a 2019 Kenworth northbound on the No. 4 lane of the 405 near Bel Air Crest Road just after 4 a.m., according to California Highway Patrol.
He was moving at a speed dangerous for stopped traffic conditions and struck a 2014 Dodge Journey in front of him, the agency said.
The male driver of the Dodge suffered fatal injuries in the collision, while his passenger, 32-year-old Chevette Pugh, sustained major injuries, according to CHP.
Authorities issued a SigAlert for the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 lanes south of Bel Air Crest Road shortly after the incident occurred and lifted it at around 10:30 a.m.
Officials described Zackery as a 49-year-old La Habra man. They’re withholding the deceased victim’s name until next of kin could be notified.
Investigators don’t suspect drugs or alcohol factored into the crash. CHP did not disclose whether or not an arrest has been made.
The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information was asked to contact CHP Officer Dobay at 310-642-3939.
