1 dead, 4 injured in Lake View Terrace after big rig crash

LAKE VIEW TERRACE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A multi-vehicle collision, involving a big rig, truck and at least three other vehicles has left one person dead and several others injured in Lake View Terrace Friday.

The California Highway Patrol says a big rig went off an Interstate 210 off-ramp, which resulted in the violent crash near the intersection of Paxton Street and Foothill Boulevard just after 6:30 a.m.

"The big rig came off and didn't stop, so he started hitting the cars, so it was like a chain reaction. But I guess the pickup truck was the one that got it the worst," said a witness identified only as Edwin.

Several crushed cars were seen, along with a tractor-trailer big-rig with its front pushed against a smashed car lying on its side.

A man in his 30s was declared dead at the scene. Four people were taken to Holy Cross Medical Center with critical injuries.

Authorities are still investigating how it happened. The driver of the big rig told patrol officers he was heading east on the 210 when he had a coughing fit and lost control.

Police say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The Paxton Street off-ramps from the 210 Freeway were closed due to the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.