4 hospitalized, including 2 CHP officers, after driver hits stalled vehicle on 60 Fwy. in Avocado Heights

AVOCADO HEIGHTS, Calif. (KABC) -- Four people, including two California Highway Patrol officers, were transported to a hospital Tuesday morning after a crash on the 60 Freeway in the Avocado Heights area of the San Gabriel Valley, authorities said.

CHP officials said El Monte resident Adrian Estrada was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on the 60 Freeway, approaching a CHP patrol vehicle that was parked on the right shoulder. Two CHP officers were outside of their car while assisting Mazda driver Gerardo Eullque, whose car was disabled on the right shoulder in front of the CHP vehicle.

For reasons still under investigation, Estrada hit the driver's side of the CHP vehicle, causing the front of it to hit the rear of the Mazda. The Mazda then hit both CHP officers and Eulloque.

The Malibu subsequently became disabled in traffic lanes.

Jacob Palos, a Rowland Heights resident who was driving a 2000 Honda Accord, did not see the Malibu, and the front of the Accord impacted the passenger side of the Malibu.

The Chevy Malibu's passenger, identified as Mario Mancara, sustained a major injury, Estrada and Eulloque sustained moderate injuries, and the CHP officers sustained minor injuries, CHP officials said. Both officers were later released from the hospital.

A Sigalert was issued for the all lanes of the eastbound 60 at approximately 3:05 am. All lanes were back open at about 5:30 a.m.

Though the crash remains under investigation, alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the collision.