Man Killed in Berkeley Big Rig Crash Identified

BERKELEY, CA -- A man who died in a big-rig crash on westbound Interstate Highway 80 in Berkeley Friday has been identified as Elder Flores Martel, 35, of Oakland, by the Alameda County coroner's bureau. The crash was reported at 8:51 a.m. on Highway 80 near the University Avenue exit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officials said the big-rig was traveling west on Highway 80 when it's left front tire failed.

The truck crossed over some lanes and crashed into a concrete barrier in the center median. The trailer hit the University Avenue overpass, causing the tractor to separate from the trailer and ejecting the driver.

CHP officials said evidence suggests that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver was taken to a hospital but died.

CHP officials said no other vehicles were involved and no one else was injured.

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