A tragic accident occurred on the 118 Freeway in Chatsworth, California, on the morning of January 8, 2024, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Manny Camacho.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the accident took place shortly before 8:45 a.m. near Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
According to reports, Camacho was driving a box truck when he collided with a flatbed truck carrying lumber in front of him. The impact caused a piece of lumber to penetrate the box truck’s windshield, causing fatal injuries. Camacho, the only person in the box truck, died on the scene from blunt-force trauma.
The CHP investigations revealed that the crash involved several other vehicles, including an SUV that crashed into the back of Camacho’s truck.
The driver of the lumber truck suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. No significant injuries were reported in the SUV involved.
Early findings by the CHP suggest that the speed of Camacho’s box truck might have been a factor in the accident.
CHP officers from the commercial division are further investigating if the lumber truck complied with safety regulations, particularly those related to marking items extending from a vehicle’s rear.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to aid Camacho’s family, raising over $16,000 so far. His mother stated on the page that she is shattered by his loss, but finds solace knowing he is “in the arms of our Father.”
Camacho, a recent Azusa Pacific University graduate, was a high school league champion in football, wrestling, and track. He was also an exceptional student with a grade point average above 4.0.
