Driver in gas-tanker fire on 134 Freeway cited for DUI, released

 

Traffic was traveling smoothly on the 134 Freeway on Monday morning after the route was closed over the weekend following a fiery gas-tanker collision.

The driver of the car that rear-ended the gas tanker late Saturday was released from custody Sunday after his arrest for alleged drunk driving, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Hakop Maghakyan, 25, of Glendale, was cited Sunday for misdemeanor DUI and released.

The fire erupted shortly after 11 p.m. when the tanker's rear trailer was struck from behind by Maghakyan's car, which was traveling at a high rate of speed, said CHP Officer Ed Jacobs. The car was heading west, east of the 5 Freeway.

The tanker struck a guardrail and overturned, bursting into flames along the shoulder underneath the 134 connector to southbound 5, the CHP said. The car was also engulfed in flames.

Both drivers, and a passenger in the Honda, scrambled to safety and were not injured. The blaze shut down the 134 Freeway overnight, but it was reopened by Sunday evening.

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