Driver Killed After Semi Slammed Into Stalled Car On 91 Freeway In RivCo: CHP

CORONA, CA — A 55-year-old motorist was killed on the 91 Freeway in Corona after a tractor-trailer struck his smaller sedan which was stalled when the collision occurred, authorities announced on Wednesday.

The crash happened Monday around 11:15 p.m. when a Honda Accord broke down in the number 3 lane near Lincoln Avenue. The victim was unable to restart the car or push it onto the freeway shoulder, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities said the driver, identified as Santos Nunez Lopez, engaged the Honda's hazard lights, which were reportedly difficult to see, possibly because of a weakening battery.

CHP officials said the driver of the semi was traveling at an unconfirmed speed as he approached the smaller vehicle and evidently didn't see it in time to stop.

"The semi collided into the rear of the Honda," a CHP spokesman said.

The sedan was pushed an unspecified distance during the impact, sustaining massive damage. The tractor-trailer came to a stop in the adjacent slow lane.

Corona Fire Department paramedics pronounced Lopez dead at the scene 15 minutes later. The trucker, whose identity was not disclosed, was not injured.

"Alcohol or drugs did not factor into this crash," the CHP spokesman said.

CHP officials said the man driving the big rig was questioned by officers at the scene but was not arrested.

The fatal collision was still under investigation Wednesday.

City News Service contributed to this report.