A pedestrian was tragically killed after being struck by a semi-truck on the transition between the 5 Freeway and the 10 Freeway in Boyle Heights early Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m., prompting a swift response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Immediate Response and Investigation

Upon receiving the call, CHP officers rushed to the northbound lanes of I-5 near the eastbound lanes of I-10. They found the pedestrian, whose identity remains unknown, lying in the lanes of the freeway. Unfortunately, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances leading to the pedestrian’s presence on the freeway remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash.

Traffic Disruptions and Safety Measures

As a result of the incident, CHP issued a SigAlert that closed three lanes of the transition road for several hours. This alert was necessary to ensure the safety of both the investigators and the motorists. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions in the early morning hours as crews worked diligently to investigate the scene and clear the roadway. All lanes have since been reopened, restoring normal traffic flow.

The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Initial reports suggest that the driver was not at fault, but authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm all details. The CHP is also seeking any witnesses who may have seen the incident to come forward with information that could aid in the investigation.

Road Safety and Precautions

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when near or on highways. Motorists are urged to be vigilant, especially in low-light conditions, and pedestrians should avoid freeway areas whenever possible. The CHP continues to stress the importance of road safety and urges everyone to follow traffic laws to prevent such incidents.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available. The CHP is dedicated to ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident to provide closure for the victim’s family and to reinforce safety measures for all road users.