PALMDALE – A tow truck driver suffered major burns to his hands and arms early Sunday morning when a suspected DUI driver crashed his vehicle into the tow truck, causing it to burst into flames, authorities said.
The collision happened around 12:05 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, on 90th Street East, north of Avenue O, according to a California Highway Patrol report.
Kim Q. Rucker, 51, of Lancaster, was driving a Countrywide Tow Truck northbound on 90th Street East north of Avenue O in Palmdale. As he made a U-turn, a tan Ford F-350 traveling south crashed into his tow truck, according to the CHP report.
The pickup truck’s driver, 59-year-old Candido Tostado of Palmdale, “failed to slow his vehicle prior to the left front of his vehicle colliding with the right side of the tow truck,” the CHP report states.
“Mr. Rucker was able to escape from the tow truck prior to it becoming fully engulfed, but suffered multiple 3rd degree burns on his hands and arms,” the CHP report states. He was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital for treatment.
“Mr. Tostado was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and was booked at the Lancaster Sheriff Station,” the CHP report states.
The incident remains under investigation.
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Angel says
Its actually amazing how many people actually see the large vehicle and they decide to accelerate in hopes of beating them. Dont automatically blame the large truck, give blame where it belongs…to the impaired driver who had no right to be behind the wheel
Shawn says
Nicholas,did you read the news paper article?!!!The tow truck driver is my uncle.I don’t recall the article saying anything about an illegal turn!!!!They said ,suspected drunk driver!!!For you to say both should have been cited was an ignorant statement, and leads me believe, that you either have a d.u.i or on your way to getting one.You have one driving under the influence and another out trying to support his family.That’s just like saying ,a rape victim should be prosecuted for Wearing a short dress!!!I just hope you don’t have to experience nothing like this.
Laughing says
Well that explains the scorched road I drove over this morning.
George says
Big roll back doing a u turn who didn’t see who ? But ur suppose to have ur vehicle under control at all times ?? Book says. Its a shame burns are bad
NICHOLAS says
DID THE TOW TRUCK CUT OUT IN FRONT OF HIM? BOTH SHOULD BE CITED