Box truck strikes, kills Caltrans worker on 71 Freeway in Chino

CHINO, Calif. - One person was killed after a box truck crashed into a group of construction workers before going off the side of the 71 Freeway in Chino Monday, according to authorities. 

The crash happened around 8:37 a.m. on the northbound lanes of the freeway just past Euclid Avenue, the California Highway Patrol reported.

An investigation revealed 34-year-old Ruben Gallegos of Pomona was driving the box truck when for unknown reasons his vehicle drifted to the right, causing the right side of the truck to sideswipe the left side of a Ford transit van, which was parked on the shoulder of the freeway. 

Authorities said 59-year-old William Hope of Beaumont was in the driver's seat of the Ford van, which was used to transport a crew of 7 construction workers contracted by Caltrans for freeway cleanup. 

The workers were outside the van working behind the metal guardrail when the box truck crashed into them, the CHP said.

Two crew members were hit when the box truck went over the side and crashed down in the embankment, according to officials.

One construction worker, a 54-year-old man from San Bernardino, died at the scene. 

A second crew member, identified as 36-year-old William McMahon of San Bernardino, suffered major injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

Hope was also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

A field sobriety test was performed on Gallegos, in which he did not show signs of intoxication, CHP said. 

Authorities said alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in this crash.

Editor's note: CHP had previously reported two Caltrans workers died, but later clarified one person was killed.