The driver of a big rig was killed Tuesday afternoon in a solo-vehicle crash on eastbound Highway 152 at the San Luis Reservoir.
The Merced County coroner's office hasn't released the driver's name or age.
The truck was traveling in the slow lane; its speed was not known. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the truck to drift off the south side of the highway, according to the CHP.
The big rig traveled up a dirt embankment, began to overturn and then turned back toward the roadway. Witnesses said the truck caught fire as it overturned. A good Samaritan tried to pull the driver from the burning wreckage, but couldn't. That person received minor burns to both hands and was taken to Memorial Hospital Los Banos for treatment.
The crash was reported about 5:15 p.m. The big rig driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash sparked a 44-acre grass fire, which was contained by firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection about 7 p.m.
Six fire engines, a water tender, one dozer, a helicopter, a safety officer and two firefighters responded.
— Sun-Star staff
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