A fiery crash involving a big rig and four other vehicles, followed by explosions, resulted in at least one death and several injuries on Interstate 10 in Pomona and prompted authorities to close lanes on the freeway.
The wreck was a collection of two separate collisions, the first a multi-car crash that the big rig could not avoid hitting moments later.
The first crash was reported at 8:12 p.m. on eastbound I-10 near the Towne Avenue off-ramp. Within minutes, the big rig slammed into the wrecked cars.
The driver of the big rig, Hector Avina, told NBC4 he saw the crash but could not stop to avoid the other cars.
The wreckage became engulfed in flames and exploded, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Avina grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran to one of the cars and pulled out on of the passengers. Though he alone could not save everyone, numerous helpers arrived to try to rescue the injured.
"We had a couple good samaritans who were helping pull people out of the wreckage," CHP Officer Gramm told NBC4.
At least one person was killed and 10 were injured -- four critically.
Officials closed the entire freeway during firefighting and rescue efforts, and reopened westbound lanes about 9:20 p.m.
By about 2:30 a.m., CHP officials were allowed eastbound traffic to pass on the center median. Officials had no estimate one when the freeway would fully reopen.
Aerial footage showed patients being airlifted from the scene. The big rig, which was carrying wooden television stands, appeared to be on top of several vehicles -- how many was not clear due to extreme damage to the cars.
One vehicle appeared to have been reduced to charred metal and ash.
CHP officials were still investigating whether the wrecks were a result of human error or equipment malfunction.
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Photo Credit: Jacob Rascon