Wheeler Ridge, CA — The driver of a big rig who died after crashing into the California Aqueduct near Interstate 5 early on December 22, 2024, has been identified as 32-year-old Raul Cibrian Navarro of Calexico, according to KBAK.
The fatal accident took place around 4:57 AM when the big rig veered off the northbound lanes of I-5 and plunged into the aqueduct.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Fort Tejon Area units responded to the scene after reports of the semi-truck being almost entirely submerged in the canal. Emergency personnel arrived to find the vehicle in the water and worked to recover it.
Investigators say the truck had been traveling northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it veered to the right, crashed through barriers, and entered the aqueduct.
Navarro was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of death. The CHP continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with information is urged to contact their office.
Single-Vehicle Collisions and Comparative Negligence
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility.
California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages. A personal injury attorney can play a critical role in sorting through these details to help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.