Diamond Bar, CA — February 20, 2025, one person was killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 4:10 on State Route 60/Pomona Freeway.

Authorities said two tanker trucks overturned in a crash near the connection to State Route 57/Orange Freeway. One spilled concrete on the highway.

One driver was killed and the other was hospitalized with unspecified injuries, according to authorities. Their names have not been made public yet.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Los Angeles County crash at this time. The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, the most immediate question is what caused the initial loss of control. Tanker trucks present unique risks due to their weight, size and shifting cargo, and when they crash, the results can be severe, not just for those involved, but for everyone on the roadway.

A key factor in this investigation should be whether the tanker drivers were traveling at appropriate speeds for the conditions. Highways like State Route 60, especially near major freeway connections, often involve tight merges, sudden lane changes, and heavy congestion. Tankers, particularly those carrying liquid or shifting cargo like concrete, require careful handling, as an abrupt turn or sudden stop can cause them to tip over. Investigators should review whether excessive speed, sudden braking or driver error played a role.

Another critical issue is whether mechanical problems contributed to the crash. Did either truck experience brake failure, steering issues or a tire blowout? Given the size and weight of tanker trucks, even a minor mechanical failure can make it impossible for a driver to maintain control. Reviewing maintenance records and inspecting both vehicles will be essential in determining whether mechanical factors were involved.

The role of road design should also be considered. The area where this crash occurred — near the connection between State Route 60 and State Route 57 — is a high-traffic interchange with multiple lanes merging and diverging. Were road conditions, visibility or traffic congestion factors that contributed to the crash? If so, could infrastructure improvements, such as better lane markings or adjusted speed limits, help reduce the risk of similar incidents?

The trucking companies involved should also be scrutinized. Were the drivers properly trained in handling tanker trucks, particularly when navigating interchanges? Were they following company policies regarding safe speeds and proper following distances? If company policies or unrealistic scheduling expectations pressured the drivers to take unnecessary risks, that could be an important factor in understanding what happened.

This crash underscores the complexities of operating large commercial vehicles, especially tanker trucks, in congested freeway environments. A thorough investigation should examine all possible contributing factors — from driver decisions and vehicle conditions to road design and traffic patterns — to determine what led to this loss of life.