One dead after semi-truck accident on Highway 41
–On Monday at approximately 2:52 p.m., a driver who has yet to be identified was traveling northbound on State Route 41 north of the Olive Farm at a yet-to-be-determined speed. Filimon Lopez, a 63-year-old man from Corona was driving a 2017 International truck tractor and pulling two semi-trailers, was traveling southbound in the slow lane at approximately 45 miles per hour within the passing lanes north of Vehicle 1. For yet to be determined reasons, the unidentified lost control of the Mustang they were driving and crossed the double yellow lines into the southbound lanes of traffic and directly into the path of travel of the truck tractor.
Lopez was unable to avoid a collision as the right side of the Mustang collided with the front of the tractor in a broadside fashion. This impact caused the truck tractor and trailer combination to jack-knife towards the southbound right shoulder as the Mustang continued up onto the west hillside. The collision caused major damage to the Mustang as well as the tractor, which became fully engulfed in fire. Driver Lopez was able to remove himself from the tractor without injury; however, the driver of the Mustang succumbed to injuries as a result of the collision. A brush fire broke out as a result of the collision, but was quickly extinguished by fire personnel.
Positive identification of the driver of the Mustang is pending Sheriffs Department confirmation. The cause of the collision is under investigation but alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the collision,
State Route 41 was completely closed from 1545 3:45 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. for vehicle removal and scene investigation. A detour was established from State Route 41 at State Route 33 (Reef City) to State Route 33 at State Route 46 (Blackwell’s Corner).
Any witnesses who observed driving prior to the collision or the collision itself are requested to contact the Templeton CI-IP Office (805) 434-1822.
