CHP Officer Injured in Fiery Crash

**Willowdared** · 07-31-07, 12:35 AM

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?se...cal&id=5524713

Fiery Crash on Hwy. 60 Injures CHP Officer, 3 Others
Officer Was Behind Caltrans Sweeper Train

By Leanne Suter
POMONA, July 30, 2007 (KABC-TV) - A fiery crash involving a CHP patrol unit in Pomona left four people injured, including two children. The cruiser was reportedly rear-ended and burst into flames. The eastbound 60 freeway was shut down into the evening commute.

The freeway reopened just before 4 p.m. after being shut down for four hours Monday afternoon due to the lengthy investigation. It was an extremely violent and fiery crash.

The CHP officer's car is barely recognizable. The 15-year veteran behind the wheel narrowly escaped the intense fire.

"The CHP vehicle burst into flames following the collision," said Officer Joe Zizi of the CHP. "The officer was able to stumble out, and onlookers were able to help him out of the vehicle."

The crash happened before noon in the eastbound lanes of the 60 at the 71. The officer was following behind a Caltrans sweeper train in the carpool lane with his lights on, warning motorists to slow down. The driver of a Ford Expedition apparently never saw the cruiser and slammed into the back of the CHP vehicle at 70-miles-per-hour.

The CHP car then flew across the freeway, colliding with another vehicle and bursting into flames. The Expedition which caused the accident rolled over. The 31-year-old woman behind the wheel, and two young children in the vehicle, all received moderate-to-minor-injuries.

The CHP officer was airlifted to County USC with major injuries.

Investigators say the violent accident could have been avoided had the driver of the Expedition been paying attention to the road -- especially to the warnings of the approaching road work.

"When you see those freeway signs that say slow down, construction ahead or sweeping ahead, please make sure you observe those signs," said Officer Zizi. "They're not just there for show. They're there as a warning."

The officer is a 15-year-veteran with the Baldwin Park office. He's in serious condition, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Investigators say the woman who caused the accident will face charges.

**Illiy** · 07-31-07, 12:37 AM

I saw that on the news... I didn't know a "Chipy" was invovled...

Prayers for a speedy recovery!

**kjlaw** · 07-31-07, 12:47 AM

thoughts and prayers enroute

**Illiy** · 07-31-07, 01:00 AM

Wow... that wasn't the accident I saw this morning...

The Video is wow.... to see the cruiser afterwards...

Dumba*s lady....

Fry her a*s!!

**Star Man** · 07-31-07, 01:13 AM

Fry her ass, and charge her with endangering her children too! Probably on a frickin cell phone...

**Jenna** · 07-31-07, 01:34 AM

Best wishes for a quick recovery.

**iso607** · 07-31-07, 01:39 AM

Thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.

**Lo523** · 07-31-07, 05:56 AM

Prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

**Ianl6** · 07-31-07, 07:41 AM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

**TXCharlie** · 07-31-07, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Star Man

Probably on a frickin cell phone...

I was thinking the same thing - Probably chatting it up about shit that could have just as easily waited till she stops.

Glad the CHP officer was able to make it out of his car - Close call!

**Bama512** · 07-31-07, 06:06 PM

I work on a rural stretch of 4 lane where cars are zipping by 70-80 MPH....this could have been me...just goes to show that people leave their brains at home and forget about having to pay attention to what is going on around them.