[04-09-2026] San Bernardino County, CA – Man Rescued and Airlifted After Crash Between Pickup Truck and Big Rig on 40 Freeway

A man was rescued from twisted wreckage and airlifted to a hospital after a violent crash between a pickup truck and a big rig on the 40 Freeway east of Barstow, on Thursday morning, April 9, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. on the eastbound side of the freeway, east of Hector Road, between Newberry Springs and Ludlow.

First responders found an overturned big rig and a severely damaged pickup truck with the driver still trapped inside. Firefighters worked to free the man before a helicopter landed on the roadway to rush him to a hospital for treatment. The driver’s condition was not immediately available.

The condition of the big rig driver was also unclear. Authorities briefly closed all traffic lanes during the rescue operation. While one lane was reopened, the left-hand lane remained closed until 3 p.m. as crews worked to clear debris.

The cause and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.