Santa Clarita, California (January 6, 2026) — A predawn multi-vehicle crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway in Santa Clarita claimed the life of Edwin Oscanoa Vicuna, a 50-year-old man who was killed after a box truck, a passenger vehicle, and a semi-trailer collided, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. Tuesday in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. CHP officers arriving at the scene found that a box truck, a gold Toyota Camry, and a semi-trailer had been involved in a violent collision that blocked several lanes of traffic. During the crash sequence, the box truck overturned, coming to rest on its side, according to CHP Officer Elizabeth Kravig.
Emergency responders pronounced one person dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner later identified the victim as Edwin Oscanoa Vicuna. Authorities have not released details regarding which vehicle Vicuna was occupying at the time of the crash or whether any additional occupants were injured. The drivers of the other vehicles were not identified in initial reports.
Due to the severity of the wreckage and lane blockages, CHP issued a SigAlert closing three northbound lanes of I-5 at Magic Mountain Parkway.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. In early-morning freeway collisions involving multiple commercial vehicles, investigators typically focus on traffic flow, lane changes, and whether any car was stopped or moving significantly slower than surrounding traffic prior to impact.
Investigators will likely analyze physical evidence such as vehicle damage, debris, and resting positions to reconstruct impact sequences. Box trucks and semi-trailers, with high centers of gravity, can rollover from even moderate lateral forces during sharp turns or secondary impacts. Additional inquiry areas include driver alertness, visibility, and fatigue at the time of the crash. Investigators may review vehicle electronic data, such as brake and speed information, along with dash or surveillance footage. The timing and spacing of vehicles before the collision are crucial to understanding how the crash occurred and if it was preventable.
Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle freeway crashes involving commercial vehicles often present complex liability questions, especially when a rollover occurs. From a civil perspective, determining responsibility may require evaluating the actions of multiple drivers, including whether any driver made an unsafe lane change, failed to maintain a safe following distance, or did not adjust driving behavior for nighttime conditions.
The involvement of both a box truck and a semi-trailer also raises questions about commercial driving practices, training, and compliance with safety regulations. In some cases, investigations extend beyond individual driver conduct to examine whether employers properly maintained vehicles, enforced rest requirements, or implemented adequate safety protocols.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the Vicuna family may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a family member without warning. While no legal process can undo the tragedy, accountability can play an essential role in acknowledging what happened and why.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Edwin Oscanoa Vicuna as they grieve this tragic loss.
Source: MyNewsLA