Firefighters had to remove a 57-year-old woman trapped inside her car after the vehicle collided with two big rigs Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Patricia L. Socha of Henderson, NV, was extricated from her 2014 BMW following a multi-vehicle crash, which occurred around 2:12 p.m. on Pearblossom Highway at Sierra Highway, according to a California Highway Patrol report.
One of the big rigs failed to stop for a red light, which triggered the collision, CHP officials said, citing witness statements.
Emilio Augustin, 59, of Hacienda Heights, was driving a 1995 Kenworth Truck at around 45-55 miles per hour when he entered the intersection on a red light, the CHP report states.
“As Augustin entered the intersection, Augustin swerved… to avoid colliding with a pickup truck that was making a left turn from Sierra Highway to eastbound Pearblossom Highway. Due to this evasive action, Augustin lost control of his truck,” the CHP report states.
“Augustin then collided with Socha who was stopped in her BMW in the #1 lane of [Pearblossom Highway] waiting for the red light to turn green. The impact pushed the BMW into [Alex Viva, 60, of Lancaster] who was driving his 1999 Freightliner and was also stopped on [Pearblossom Highway] in the #2 lane,” the CHP report states.
Firefighters worked for about 25 minutes to extricate Socha from her vehicle, according to Battalion Chief Wes Anzai. She was transported to the hospital with pain to her lower back, minor lacerations and bruises, according to the CHP report.
The two big rig drivers, Augustine and Viva, were treated at the scene and released, the CHP report states.
Both lanes of Pearblossom Highway were closed for approximately two hours due to the collision. The eastbound lanes were re-opened at around 4:20 p.m.; and westbound lanes remained closed until around 7:15 p.m. due to diesel spill cleanup, CHP officials said.
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Updated: A California Highway Patrol report apparently listed incorrect directions of travel for some of the vehicles. The story has been revised to reflect the accurate information.
RLM says
I totally agree about the danger from big trucks, especially bottom dumps, on Pearblossom Highway. I cross Pearblossom at 25th St E. at least twice a day, and at least once every week or two I observe a bottom dump truck blowing the red light on Pearblossom, especially when coming down the hill eastbound. I never proceed on a green light to cross Pearblossom until I observe that any approaching trucks intend to stop. Had I been in the habit of proceeding on a green light to cross Pearblossom, without checking for approaching traffic, I would either be dead or maimed. I also agree that this stretch of Pearblossom Highway needs more traffic enforcement.
Bob says
Stop light, and stop sign, runners area huge and deadly issue in the Antelope Valley. Though speed may be a factor, running signs and signals is a much more serious issue. Sadly I barely see stop sign runners pulled over, even when a CHP is in proximity. They are usually pulling over speeders.
Chevy owner says
All bottom truck should be outlaw they drive unsafe that what happen when you get paid by the load and the truck look unsafe to I see all the time hope the person in the BMW is doing good
Debbie says
You need to consider the fact that only the one truck driver was in the wrong, the other truck driver was a victim just like the women in the car. I have been on Ave T in front of the gravel plants and I am surprised there are not more accidents when stupid people in cars pass over the double yellow line when cars and trucks are coming at them. Maybe the CHP and LA County sheriff should watch this area of the road before something serious happens there. Cars running red lights and pulling in front of other cars and trucks have always been a serious danger on Pearblossom. Terrible accident glad no one was killed.
Convoy says
Trucks on Pearblossom are a dangerous hazard. The only safe way to drive when those rigs are near is stay as far away as possible. Most truck drivers are professional and considerate drivers , but there are alot of rookies and unsafe truckers too.
CHP could put them in check alittle by opening temporary truck inspections along Pearblossom once those drivers know theres some enforcement around here they wont be so rash in there decision to run reds.
Lin says
People have been dying on Pearblossom Highway for years. I was reading articles about them, it’s crazy!
Tom says
I have seen so many big rigs (as well as cars) run the reds on Pearblossom mainly at 25E and Sierra Highway.
JJ says
I agree. I see them run the red lights all the time. They honk there home like that gives the right to blow thru the red lights.
Joey Lujan says
I’m not surprised at all those truck drivers that drive the rigs for the concrete compaNY on Ave T drive really wreckles there’s been multiple times that I have to slam on my use they decide to merge onto the road just because they have a way bigger vehicle I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more accidents caused by those drivers.
Tech 49 says
The specifics of where the two vehicles that were struck (the BMW and the Freightliner) do not match the pictures or circumstances. If they were on Sierra Highway, how did they end up on Pearblossom in the position that they are pictured?
The pictures make sense if the two struck vehicles were in the westbound lanes of Pearblossom, not the southbound lanes of Sierra.
Kathi says
The only one on sierra was the guy that the first truck (the guy running the red) almost hit and tried to avoid. there was only one guy on sierra and he was legal to turn. The guy running the red was on pearblossom hiring the woman on pearblossom and the other truck on pearblossom in the #1 lane.
Marshall says
This makes more sense. I drive Pearblossom every day and was trying to put together what happened according to the article. Thanks Kathi.
J says
Was wondering why the traffic was so backed up…what happened to the guy in the pick up truck? Poor lady just minding her own business…jeez, makes you realize that life is short and to live it to the fullest, glad she is OK! Did they just let the guy who caused the accident off without any charges?
Danny says
Idiot truck driver!