Boyle Heights, California (December 28, 2025) — A multi-vehicle collision involving a big rig on the Golden State (5) Freeway in Boyle Heights claimed the life of Miriam Marroquin, a 60-year-old woman, early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 5:10 a.m. on the southbound 5 Freeway just south of Fourth Street. Authorities reported that a big rig crashed into multiple vehicles, setting off a chain-reaction collision involving at least nine vehicles that sustained major front-end damage. At least one vehicle caught fire, prompting Los Angeles Fire Department crews to request a “physical rescue,” according to LAFD spokesperson Jennifer Middleton.
Emergency responders assessed a total of 15 people at the scene. Ten patients were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Paramedics took some of the injured, who were reported to have moderate injuries, to Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital. The CHP has not released details regarding the remaining patients or clarified which vehicle Marroquin was traveling in at the time of the crash. Her city of residence was not provided, and officials said it remains unclear whether she was the individual who required physical rescue.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision. In large-scale freeway crashes involving commercial trucks, investigators typically focus on vehicle speed, traffic conditions, and whether the truck driver had sufficient time and distance to react to slowing or stopped traffic ahead. The early-morning timing of the crash may also raise questions about visibility, driver fatigue, and lighting conditions on that stretch of freeway.
Investigators are expected to examine physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, burn patterns from the fire, and debris distribution, to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the crash. They may also review electronic data from the big rig, witness statements, and any available footage from freeway cameras. The CHP has not yet disclosed whether the truck was carrying cargo or whether mechanical issues played a role.
Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle crashes involving big rigs often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the truck’s size and weight, especially when multiple passenger vehicles are involved. From a civil standpoint, determining liability may require a careful examination of the truck driver’s actions, compliance with safety regulations, and whether traffic conditions or roadway design contributed to the collision.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Mariam’s surviving loved ones may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, medical costs, and the emotional and financial impact of losing a family member. Those injured may have grounds to pursue personal injury claims to assist with the costs of recovering from the crash. While no legal action can undo the tragedy, accountability can be an important step toward acknowledging the harm suffered.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Miriam Marroquin as they grieve this devastating loss.
Source: MyNewsLA