A late-night run along Interstate 80 turned deadly Tuesday when a Colfax man was killed after his pickup slammed into a detached tanker trailer north of Auburn, authorities said. The tank, reportedly loaded with water, had separated from a Freightliner that lost control near the Placer Hills Road offramp, struck the center divider, then crossed into the eastbound lanes, where the oncoming pickup hit it. The Freightliner’s driver took off and is still being sought by investigators.
What happened
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened a little after 11 p.m. on westbound I-80, as reported by CBS Sacramento. Officers said the pickup driver, identified as a Colfax resident, died at the scene. Investigators also noted that the owner of the trucking company is cooperating with the ongoing probe.
Investigators seek witnesses
CHP Auburn-area investigators are leading the case and are asking anyone who may have seen the crash or its aftermath to come forward. Tipsters can reach the CHP through its standard reporting channels, including the tip line 1-800-TELL-CHP and online submission options listed on the agency’s Notify the CHP page.
This stretch of I-80 has seen recent truck incidents
The Colfax-Auburn corridor has been hit with several truck-related closures and spills in recent days, including a diesel tanker spill that shut down westbound lanes over the weekend, according to The Sacramento Bee. Drivers heading through the I-80 Sierra corridor are urged to keep an eye on Caltrans District 3 advisories and check QuickMap for real-time road conditions before getting on the highway.
Possible legal consequences
The CHP said the Freightliner’s driver left the scene. If investigators confirm a driver fled after a collision that caused a death, that conduct can trigger felony hit-and-run charges under California law. Vehicle Code section 20001 makes leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death a potential felony, though prosecutors must still prove every element of the offense in court; see Vehicle Code 20001 for the statute language.
The CHP says its investigation is ongoing and again urged anyone with video, photos or information to contact the department. Drivers planning to cross the ridge are advised to be ready for potential delays and to check Caltrans QuickMap before heading out.
