Much of the 57 Freeway in Fullerton was closed for the morning commute Thursday after a deadly nine-vehicle crash the night before.
The crash, which happened south of Chapman Avenue just after 7 p.m, left a 28-year-old man dead and hospitalized another five with minor injuries, the California Highway Patrol said.
The coroner's office confirmed Thursday morning Eric McEntarffer of Fontana was the person who died, and that his vehicle had been struck by a tractor-trailer.
The collision happened after a semi-truck carrying a forklift lost control and hit a Honda Civic, pushing the both through the central divider and into the path of oncoming traffic on the northbound side of the road
Nine vehicles in total were damaged according to the CHP, some with major damage and others with minor damage caused by being hit with debris. Tow trucks are currently at the scene and clearing the area of vehicles.
Traffic was backed up in either direction as firefighters and paramedics attended to the injured.
As at 7:30 a.m. Thursday a sig alert remained in effect, with two lanes closed northbound and one lane closed southbound.
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CHP was aiming to have the northbound side open within five hours, and the southbound open within three as at 5:30 a.m, however those times are subject to change.
The 71 Freeway runs parallel to the 57, and can be used to access the 60 or 91 freeway. The 605 Freeway can be used to access the 5 Freeway.
City News Service contributed to this report.
