1 dead in crash on wet Highway 126
A fatal traffic collision and slick, wet roads on Highway 126 slowed traffic Monday morning.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to the crash on eastbound Highway 126, east of Piru, at Center Street, around 5:20 a.m., according to CHP Moorpark officials.
The incident was reportedly a head-on crash involving a pickup versus a box truck, where one caught fire, according to CHP reports.
Upon further investigation, CHP officers reported the driver of a black Ford F-150 traveling westbound veered across the center median into oncoming traffic for reasons yet to be determined and was broadsided by a white Freightliner box truck traveling eastbound.
The driver of the pickup, described as a 45-year-old man, sustained fatal injuries, while the driver of the box truck was transported to a local
hospital with minor injuries as a result of the crash, per CHP.
A SigAlert was issued for eastbound lanes of Highway 126 for approximately five hours as CHP officials worked to clear the scene and investigate the crash, according to Caltrans.
CHP officers reported moderate rain and very slick roads at the scene, asking drivers to use caution and expect delays for several hours, with lanes reopened by 10:45 a.m., per reports.
The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, per CHP.
It is unclear whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, and the collision remains
under investigation.
Any potential witnesses that have not already given their statements to an investigating officer are encouraged to contact the CHP’s Moorpark office at 805-553-0800.