5-Year-Old Girl Killed in 60 Freeway Crash

A 5-year-old girl died at a hospital following a multi-vehicle crash that closed down the 60 Freeway in South El Monte for several hours Thursday morning.

The crash on the eastbound side of the freeway near Santa Anita Avenue was reported around 5:45 a.m. A tanker truck carrying milk struck the center divider before landing on its side.

Fire officials said eight passenger vehicles and two other semi-trucks were also involved in the crash. Fourteen people were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

A South El Monte girl identified as Maydelin Salas, 5, was taken to Montebello Beverly Hospital where she was pronounced dead around 6:30 a.m., according to Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The freeway was closed as wreckage, diesel fuel and milk were cleaned from the roadway. The debris covered about the size of two football fields.

Both sides of the freeway were reopened around 12:30 p.m.

Both fuel and milk had spilled into the San Gabriel River, officials said.

Motorists were advised to take the 605 Freeway to the 10 Freeway, or the 210 Freeway to the 134 Freeway if going toward Griffith Park.

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