Traffic along the Foothill Freeway in Sunland came to a standstill late Friday night after a violent collision claimed two lives near the eastbound lanes of Interstate 210 at Sunland Boulevard. California Highway Patrol units were dispatched just before 9:52 p.m. on April 3, 2026, after reports of a tractor‑trailer striking a stopped vehicle on the shoulder.
CHP investigators determined that the parked vehicle was a Honda Accord occupied by 23‑year‑old Alejandra Simental and a 25‑year‑old male passenger. The Honda had been positioned on the right shoulder when a Freightliner truck tractor, driven by a man from Manteca, entered the area while traveling eastbound. The truck collided directly with the stationary Honda, causing catastrophic damage.
The impact crushed the passenger compartment of the Honda, leaving both occupants with fatal injuries. Emergency responders from Los Angeles Fire Department arrived within minutes, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. ABC7 Los Angeles confirmed that the collision was so severe that debris was scattered across multiple lanes, prompting an extended closure of the freeway.
CHP’s preliminary findings indicate that the Freightliner driver did not stop in time to avoid the Honda, though investigators have not yet released details regarding visibility, speed, or potential contributing factors. The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers as they began documenting skid marks, vehicle positions, and roadway conditions.
Authorities have not identified why the Honda was parked on the shoulder prior to the crash. CHP noted that no mechanical failure or medical emergency has yet been confirmed, and the investigation remains active as officers review witness statements and available traffic camera footage.
The deaths of Alejandra Simental and the unidentified 25‑year‑old man have deeply affected the Sunland community, where residents are calling for continued attention to shoulder‑safety awareness on high‑speed corridors like the 210 Freeway. The location near Sunland Boulevard now stands as a stark reminder of the risks faced by any vehicle stopped along a major interstate.
