Driver sought after I-80 crash in Placer County kills Colfax motorist, CHP says
A crash on Interstate 80 in Placer County left one person dead, and authorities are looking for the driver of a big rig involved in the collision, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened about 11 p.m. Tuesday on westbound Interstate 80 near Placer Hills Road, CHP Auburn officials said in a Wednesday statement.
Investigators said a Freightliner truck-tractor hauling a tank trailer filled with water lost control and crashed into the center divider.
The trailer detached and crossed into the eastbound lanes, where it was struck by a Ford F-150 pickup truck.
The pickup driver, identified only as an adult man from Colfax, died in the crash, according to CHP spokesperson Officer Mike Hamilton.
The driver of the Freightliner fled the scene following the collision, and authorities are seeking to locate the driver as the investigation continues.
Eastbound Interstate 80 at Placer Hills Road remained closed until about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday following the crash, according to a post on the CHP Auburn Facebook page.
No additional details about the investigation have been released. The deceased driver has not yet been publicly identified.
