710 Freeway NB lanes reopen following fatal crash in South Gate

SOUTH GATE, Calif. (KABC) -- One person was killed in a crash on the northbound 710 Freeway in South Gate Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred north of Imperial Highway around 3:23 a.m.

The victim was standing outside his disabled black Ford Explorer on the freeway when he was fatally struck by a pickup truck, said CHP spokesman Officer Bill Preciado.

CHP officers were traveling southbound on the 710 Freeway when they observed the vehicle in the No. 2 lane with an individual standing outside waving his arms and a ball cap at oncoming vehicles. The move was "an apparent effort to draw the approaching motorist's attention," the CHP said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, our officers weren't able to turn around in time," Preciado said. "In the meantime, he was struck by another vehicle."

The driver of the pickup truck, a 38-year-old Los Angeles man, was arrested after he failed to provide proper identification. Details on the exact charges he's facing were not immediately released.

A SigAlert was issued by the CHP at 3:37 a.m., and all northbound lanes were temporarily shut down at Imperial Highway for the investigation. All lanes were reopened around 5:50 a.m.

Motorists were urged to use Garfield Avenue, Atlantic Boulevard or the 91, 105, 605 and 110 freeways as alternates.

The victim was described as a 57-year-old Hispanic male from Bell Gardens. His name was withheld pending notification of kin. Investigators believe he may have been coming home from work.

CNS contributed to this report.