Big-rig crash on I-5 near J Street kills Citrus Heights truck driver

A Citrus Heights resident was killed early Saturday in a big-rig crash on northbound Interstate 5 near Old Sacramento.

The truck’s driver, 60, was killed in the single-vehicle crash that happened about 2:50 a.m. His name has not been released. The big rig was traveling on I-5 south of J Street at 60 to 65 mph, according to a CHP news release.

“For an unknown reason, he made a hard left turn across the lanes and struck a raised center median wall, with no evidence of braking,” the news release said.

The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected as the truck bounced off the wall, authorities said. Debris from the crash flew across the northbound and southbound lanes. The vehicle came to rest within the slow lane and right shoulder, facing northwest.

READ: Caltrans grinds I-5 pavement in Sacramento to reduce vehicle skids

The debris was quickly cleared from the southbound lanes, but northbound traffic was diverted for four hours as crews cleared vehicle parts, mopped up spilled fuel and processed evidence, authorities said.

Authorities said it’s unknown whether drugs, alcohol or fatigue played a role. The investigation is ongoing.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 12:02 PM with the headline "Big-rig crash on I-5 near J Street kills Citrus Heights truck driver."