Tow-truck driver hits, kills Caltrans worker on 5 Freeway in San Clemente

Caltrans crews seen in this undated file photo. (KTLA)

A Caltrans worker was tragically killed after being struck by the driver of a freeway service patrol tow truck driver on the 5 Freeway in San Clemente Monday morning.  

The incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on the northbound side of the freeway just north of Avenue Palizado, officials with the California Highway Patrol told City News Service.  

CHP said the driver of the tow truck veered out of lanes and onto the shoulder where two Caltrans employees had pulled over to clear some debris from the roadway.  

The tow truck slammed into the Caltrans vehicle and reportedly ran over the worker.  

The impact of the collision was so strong that it launched the Caltrans vehicle into the air and over the curb where it collided with a Nissan Rogue coming up the onramp.  

It is unclear if the second Caltrans employee suffered any injuries. The driver of the tow truck and the driver of the Nissan, according to CHP, both sustained minor injuries during the crash.  

No information about the victim’s age or gender was provided.  

It is unknown if drugs and or alcohol were a factor in the crash.