Truck driver injured in fatal crash identified
By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
A truck driver who suffered major injuries in a fatal collision with another truck Friday evening has been identified.
According to a news release from the California Highway Patrol, Andrew John Mateut, 27, of Roseville, Calif., was driving his rig northbound on South Edison Road behind a Freightliner semi-truck.
At around 5 p.m., the driver of the Freightliner, a 73-year-old El Centro resident whose name has not yet been released, attempted to turn left at Muller Road.
"This collision occurred when Mr. Mateut entered the southbound lane and attempted to pass on the left side," the CHP release said.
Mateut's truck slammed into the left side of the Freightliner, and both vehicles burst into flames. The driver from El Centro died at the scene.
Mateut was able to escape from his burning rig and was taken to a local hospital.
The identity of the El Centro man will be released by the Kern County Coroner's Office following notification of next of kin, the CHP said.
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