Officer

California Highway Patrol

5/28/1996

Special Act Award (Gold)

At approximately 2:46 a.m., a tractor/trailer collided with another tractor/trailer which had slowed down due to a previous traffic collision at Interstate 10 and Holt Boulevard involving a tractor/trailer and two passenger vehicles. The driver had dozed off, unaware of the slow moving traffic and had not taken any evasive action to prevent an accident. His vehicle then veered to the left into the number two and three lanes. The tractor/trailer, still out of control, struck five passenger vehicles and passed two tractor/trailers colliding with the rear trailer of a set of double trailers in the number four lane. The tractor burst into flames. His legs were trapped by the dashboard and engine components which collapsed upon impact. Officers on the scene broadcasted the collision into the Inland Communications Center and went to the aid of the drivers in the passenger cars unaware the driver of the burning tractor was still inside. Officers Heller, Avila, Finn and Battle responded to the scene and upon arrival heard the trapped driver’s cries for help and saw the flames rapidly spreading from the tractor to the trailer, as well as to the trailer it had struck. The officers attempted to open the driver’s side door to free the driver but the severity of the collision left the door twisted and jammed closed. The officer tried to reassure the driver as they reached into the burning truck, gasping the driver’s shoulders and arms in an attempt to pull him free. As Officers Finn and Battle attempted to free the driver, Officers Heller and Avila doused the trapped driver with fire extinguishers and attempted to pull the jammed door open. The flames were spreading rapidly through the cab of the truck to the sleeper berth and upholstery. The driver was still conscious and calling for help. The entire right side of the tractor, its trailer, and the trailer it had struck were on fire. The tractor’s fuel tank had ruptured and gasoline was rushing down the traffic lanes towards the other vehicles. The officers continued their efforts to free the trapped driver as the flames spread. All four officers remained with the driver, still trying to free him and extinguish the flames. After depleting several fire extinguishers and unable to pry the tractor door open, they were forced to move to a place of safety due to the intensity of the fire. At this point, the tractor and trailer were fully engulfed, with flames reaching 30 to 40 feet in the air. Unfortunately, the driver could not be saved and sustained fatal injuries from the collision and fire.