Originally published as a Yreka CHP Facebook post –
“On 1/7/2021, at approximately 0130 hours, Irfan Sarwar was driving a Toyota Prius southbound on Interstate 5, south of Montague Road, in the #2 lane, traveling at a stated speed of 70-75 mph. At the time of the collision, temperatures were in the freezing range and the roadway may have been slick.
A Freightliner big rig was parked on the west shoulder of the Montague Road to southbound Interstate 5 on-ramp with the driver asleep in the sleeper berth.
For an unknown reason, the Toyota veered off the west road edge of southbound Interstate 5 and continued westbound across the Montague Road to southbound Interstate 5 on-ramp. The passenger side of the Toyota collided into the side of the tractor trailers parked on the shoulder.
As a result of this collision, both the driver and passenger of the Toyota sustained major injuries. Despite life saving efforts, the passenger of the Toyota succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. The driver of the Toyota was transported by ambulance to Fairchild Medical Center for medical treatment.
After investigation, the driver of the Toyota was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently released to Fairchild Medical Center for further medical treatment.
The California Highway Patrol would like to remind drivers to reduce speed in adverse conditions and/or freezing temperatures and never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence.”
