Big rig hits light pole, causing it to fall on pedestrian in East LA

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A big rig driver struck a light pole in East Los Angeles Monday, causing it to fall and nearly hit a woman. Luckily, another pedestrian pushed her out of harm's way.

The crash happened at the intersection of Whittier and Atlantic boulevards as the driver was trying to make a right turn at about 8:30 a.m.

"The old man actually pushed the woman out of the way," said Danny Gallardo, who witnessed the incident. "The pole was coming down ... somehow he managed to get her out of the way, and he fell."

Gallardo said the pole appeared to hit the man's shoulder, and "it shook him down."

According to the California Highway Patrol, the man suffered major injuries and was taken to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. His condition was unknown Monday afternoon.

The driver of the tractor trailer was detained at the scene. It was unknown if any charges were pending against the driver.

Los Angeles County sheriff's officials say the driver was involved in a hit-and-run crash with another vehicle in the area of Atlantic Boulevard and Telegraph Road shortly before hitting the light pole.

No other injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.