The crash occurred shortly before midnight between Azusa Avenue and Hacienda Boulevard. All westbound lanes were shut down immediately following the incident for about 20 minutes, but officials gradually reopened all but one lane, letting traffic squeeze through. All lanes reopened shortly after 7 a.m.
CHP officials say it all started when a female driver pulled over to the freeway shoulder after having car trouble. Someone came to the scene to help her, and when that female driver was pulling back out onto traffic, authorities say her car cut off the big rig, causing it to broadside the vehicle and overturn. The big rig ended up hitting a large tree.
The driver of the big rig was trapped inside the cab of the truck for hours, but first responders were able to extricate him. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The driver of the other car did not sustain any injuries.
The truck was carrying Target merchandise, and another big rig was called in to off load all the items. Authorities say approximately 80 gallons of diesel fuel spilled as a result of the crash. The spill was contained mostly to the shoulder, and hazmat crews were able to clean it up.
