A search was underway for a semi-truck driver who apparently detached the cab from its trailer and took off after a deadly hit-and-run crash early Saturday morning in Vernon, California, officials said.
The crash was reported just after 3 a.m. near the intersection of East 37th Street and South Santa Fe Avenue, according to the Vernon Police Department.
Police believe the driver was involved in another minor crash, about a block away from the scene, before running a red light and colliding with the Chevrolet pickup truck.
When rescue crews arrived at the scene, the pickup truck was found lodged underneath the trailer and the cab was missing from the 18-wheeler.
Police said the driver apparently detached his cab from the trailer and took off.
Two people were trapped inside the pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was rescued and taken to USC Medical Center in unknown condition. The second victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Vernon police said.
There was no immediate information regarding the driver of the semi-truck at this time, officials said.
A restaurant employee near the site said she found beer next cab portion of the truck.
"It looks like he had two beers and left the rest of the 12 pack," Linda Sanchez said.
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