IRWINDALE, Calif. — A terrifying multi-vehicle crash on the 210 Freeway Saturday morning left one woman dead and 32 others injured after a jackknifed semi-truck crossed the center median and slammed into oncoming traffic.
Dramatic dashcam footage captured the horrifying moments before impact. The video shows the big rig veering sharply off the right shoulder, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris as it jackknifes violently across lanes before punching through the median barrier into westbound traffic near the Irwindale Avenue on-ramp around 9 a.m.The eastbound semi, a C.R. England Freightliner hauling a Target trailer, lost control, triggering a chain-reaction pileup that shut down the freeway for hours.
Christina King, 58, was killed at the scene. Another 32 people were hurt, including minors and children. Ten victims were hospitalized, with two reported in critical condition.
Target issued a statement confirming the trailer was operated by a third-party carrier and the driver was not a Target employee. The company expressed deep sadness over the fatal crash.
The latest tragedy on California’s notoriously dangerous freeways is raising urgent questions about commercial driver accountability, repeat offenders, and how individuals with such records, and in some cases questionable legal status, are allowed to operate massive rigs on American roads.
California Highway Patrol investigators are examining whether the truck made an unsafe turn, suffered a mechanical failure, or if impairment or fatigue played a role. The dramatic dashcam video shows the rig drifting before the catastrophic loss of control.
All westbound lanes were closed for hours as emergency crews and cleanup teams worked the scene. Traffic eventually resumed, but the human toll remains devastating.
Families are now grieving the loss of Christina King, whose life was cut short in what appears to be yet another preventable freeway disaster.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Californians and drivers across the country deserve answers and accountability when reckless or unqualified operators of heavy commercial vehicles put innocent lives at risk.
