Here’s what led to a fatal crash on I-80 causing CHP to close multiple lanes in Placer County
Authorities on Wednesday afternoon closed multiple westbound lanes on Interstate 80 in Placer County as the California Highway Patrol investigated a man killed by a semi-truck after leaving his parked vehicle and running in front of the big rig.
The deadly crash involved multiple vehicles in the westbound lanes of I-80, just west of the town of Penryn, the CHP Auburn area office announced in a Facebook post.
“Due to the severity of the incident, traffic in the area is heavily impacted,” CHP officials wrote in the Facebook post. “The safety and well-being of all individuals involved are of utmost importance, and every effort is being made to determine the cause of the accident.”
The CHP’s news release said a man parked his vehicle on the right shoulder of I-80 westbound, left of King Road, and left his vehicle for an unknown reason. He was immediately struck by a 23-year-old Penryn man driving a 2020 Kenworth, the CHP said, who were called to the scene just after 1 p.m.
The Penryn driver stopped in the right shoulder as the man died. The pedestrian has not yet been identified by the Placer County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators didn’t know if the pedestrian was intoxicated. The driver of the semi was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the CHP said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event,” the CHP said on social media.
Shortly before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Caltrans announced all westbound lanes were open. But Caltrans said drivers should expect a slight delay as traffic moves slowly through the area.
Investigators asked anyone with information to contact the CHP at 916-663-3344. The CHP and Placer County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the incident.
This story was originally published March 6, 2024 at 5:35 PM.
