Sylmar, California (January 11, 2026) — A predawn crash on the Foothill (210) Freeway in Sylmar claimed the life of Angie Rios, a 19-year-old woman who was killed after a Tesla collided with a semitruck early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 5:10 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway at the Polk Street off-ramp. Authorities reported that a Tesla and a semitruck were involved in the crash under circumstances that have not yet been fully explained.
Emergency crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded alongside CHP officers. Firefighters and paramedics assisted with extricating the victim from the wreckage, but Rios was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released information regarding whether the Tesla struck the big rig, the big rig struck the Tesla, or whether a lane change or merging maneuver occurred near the off-ramp.
Due to the severity of the crash and the need for a full investigation, all eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway were shut down shortly after 5:35 a.m., with traffic diverted at Roxford Street. The closure remained in effect for several hours before lanes were reopened at approximately 9:34 a.m., according to CHP. No injuries to the semitruck driver have been publicly reported.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. In early-morning freeway collisions involving passenger vehicles and semitrucks, investigators typically focus on vehicle positioning, lane changes, and traffic patterns near on- and off-ramps, where vehicles often slow, merge, or shift lanes unexpectedly.
Investigators will analyze scene evidence like vehicle damage, debris, and resting positions to reconstruct the contact between the Tesla and the big rig. The off-ramp raises questions about whether one vehicle was exiting while the other continued through lanes, increasing collision risk. Electronic data from both vehicles, including speed, braking, and steering inputs from the Tesla’s system, and data on speed, throttle, and braking from the big rig’s event data recorder, will likely be examined. Freeway camera footage may also be reviewed to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Because the crash occurred shortly after dawn, visibility, lighting conditions, and driver alertness will also be considered. Early-morning hours can present unique risks, including reduced visibility, glare, and fatigue, all of which may affect reaction times on high-speed roadways.
Legal Considerations: Crashes with semitrucks often cause fatal injuries to smaller vehicle occupants due to size and weight differences. Legally, liability involves assessing unsafe lane changes, following distances, or yielding near off-ramps. When commercial vehicles are involved, factors include trucking company safety, training, regulation compliance, route planning, speed, and merging practices based on crash specifics.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, the Rios family may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the long-term emotional and financial impact of losing a young family member. While no legal process can undo the tragedy, accountability can play an important role in acknowledging what happened and why.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Angie Rios as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles ︱ MyNewsLA