UPDATE: Atwater man killed in collision on Highway 140

A 67-year-old Atwater man was killed Tuesday in a collision between a big rig and a pickup, that also dumped hydraulic fluid on the highway, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.

The victim’s identity was withheld pending notification of his family, the Merced County Coroner’s Office said.

The collision was reported at 12:52 p.m. on Highway 140 and Central Avenue, between Atwater and Livingston, Officer Brian Carr said.

The victim was driving a 1991 Toyota pickup east on Highway 140 when, for reasons that remained unclear, his vehicle traveled into the westbound lane of traffic, where he collided with the left side of a 2005 Freightliner that was pulling a box trailer, the CHP said.

The Freightliner’s hydraulic fluid tank ruptured in the crash, spilling roughly 25 gallons on the road and dirt shoulder, the CHP said.

The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner, Efrain Ramirez, 44, of Visalia, was not injured, the CHP said.

The eastbound lane of traffic was still closed Tuesday evening and it was unclear when it would be reopened. It was also unclear how long it would take emergency responders to clean up the fluid.

CHP said the crash remains under investigation.

This story was originally published December 9, 2014 at 3:04 PM with the headline "UPDATE: Atwater man killed in collision on Highway 140."