Thursday, Nov. 08, 2012

Fatal crash reported on Highway 165

A man is dead following a collision with a big rig Thursday, a California Highway Patrol official said.

The CHP is withholding the identity of the victim until family members are notified.

Sgt. Sean Hart said a 25-year-old man driving an Acura Integra was traveling northbound on Highway 165 near Santa fe Grade at 4:30 a.m. when his car ventured into the southbound lane. Hart said the driver's side of the Acura collided with the driver’s side of the big rig, causing the car to rip in two.

The 25-year-old, who was wearing a seatbelt and was not thrown from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the big rig suffered minor injuries, Hart said.

The CHP does not believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident.

Both lanes of traffic were blocked for nearly two hours. The CHP reopened the road at 6:20 a.m.

-- Corey Pride