LIVERMORE (CBS13) — A man was killed by a metal pipe while driving on Interstate 580 Wednesday.

California Highway Patrol says the accident happened near Livermore around 8:10 a.m. after the pipe, about 2 to 3 feet long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter, went through the windshield of the man's car and hit him in the jaw, causing the car to crash into an embankment.

The Lodi resident, 33-year-old Michael Cox, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the pipe fell from a truck, but are doubtful they will be able to find out where it came from without the help of witnesses.

"Unfortunately, I hate to use a cliché, but it's like being in the wrong place at the wrong time," CHP Officer Tyler Hahn said. "It was a freak accident for sure."