A big rig rolled over a Lexus in Oceanside, killing at least one person and causing a traffic nightmare for the morning commute.
Witnesses told investigators that the Lexus was on the left side of the big rig, when the big rig started fishtailing and then rolled, crushing the car shortly before 7 a.m. on the 78-westbound connector to southbound Interstate 5.
The driver of the Lexus, a man in his thirties, died at the scene from major head trauma. Several lanes were closed for hours during the investigation. They reopened just before noon.
Jerry Jimerson, 32, was driving the big rig, according to CHP officials. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Investigators are taking a look at the big rig to see there were any mechanical failures. If they determine that excessive speed or an overloaded vehicle caused the crash, Jimerson could face manslaughter charges.
The victim’s identity has not been released, but his identification showed he was from Baja California, Mexico, according to CHP officials. The car was registered to an owner in San Marcos.
