(This story has been updated with additional information.)
The driver and a passenger of a big rig died following a multi-truck crash on the 40 Freeway in Ludlow on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The crash took place shortly after 7 a.m. May 6 on the eastbound side of the freeway, east of Crucero Road, in the unincorporated portion of San Bernardino County, California Highway Patrol officials said.
A woman was at the wheel of tractor-trailer, with a man riding as a passenger.
“For reasons still under investigation, the unidentified female failed to yield to stopped traffic ahead, resulting in a multi-vehicle traffic crash involving three tractor-trailer combination vehicles,” according to a CHP statement.
Both the driver and passenger died from their injuries at the scene, officials said.
They were identified by San Bernardino County coroner’s officials as Keilamarie Duran San Miguel, a 36, and Christian Joel Pantoja Sanchez, a 40, both of Orlando, Florida.
The victims were a husband and wife, who were on their way back home to Orlando, family stated via an online fundraiser established to help their children.
No additional injuries were reported.
The cause and circumstances of the crash remained under investigation.
“The California Highway Patrol Barstow Area extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic crash,” the CHP statement said. “We recognize the profound impact this loss has on all those involved and keep them in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
The crash remains under investigation by the CHP Barstow Area Office. Anyone with informationregarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer D. Erickson at (760) 255-5900.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Two killed in big rig crash along 40 Freeway in Ludlow
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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