Galt-area crash leaves 1 dead after vehicle crosses Highway 99, hits big rig

A driver died in a fiery crash near Galt early Tuesday after CHP says their sedan sideswiped a construction truck on Highway 99, crossed the freeway and was hit by a big rig.

The crash happened around 4:08 a.m. on southbound Highway 99 south of Twin Cities Road.

CHP said the sedan was traveling in the far-right lane when it drifted left and sideswiped a slower-moving construction attenuator truck in the far-left lane.

The impact sent the sedan veering back to the right, across all lanes of the freeway and the shoulder before it left Highway 99 and came to rest on West Stockton Boulevard. 

An oncoming semi-truck was unable to avoid the sedan and crashed into it, CHP said.

The sedan caught fire after the impact. Despite efforts by first responders, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver's identity has not been released pending notification of family.

CHP said it remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

West Stockton Boulevard was closed between Twin Cities Road and Spring Street Tuesday morning while officers investigated. Highway 99 remained open.