Man killed in 210 Freeway Rollover Accident

September 20, 2009

Azusa – A Covina man was killed while her passenger sustained minor injuries after getting involved in a single-car crash on the 210 Freeway in Azusa Sunday morning, authorities said.

Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Investigator Katalin Van Meter identified the victim as 26-year-old Juan Gonzales, who died at the scene.

The passenger, Cirila Perez, 29, was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center for minor injuries, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Sgt. Steve Licon said.

According to CHP officer Jesse Holguin, the crash was reported at about 11:00 a.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway at Citrus Avenue.

According to the CHP collision report, Gonzales was driving a 2006 Ford Mustang at about 100mph in the carpool lane, when he caught up to slower traffic.

Gonzales tried to brake and steer to the right but lost control. The car swerved towards the right shoulder across all lanes.

The Mustang struck a curb, pushed up onto the dirt and hit a sign post, the report said.

Investigations showed that Gonzales was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown off the car, which then rolled over on top of him.

The accident resulted to the closing of the onramp from the Citrus Avenue to the Eastbound 210 Freeway.