Alexander Rodish Hit and Killed by Tow Truck on Interstate 5 near Avenue Palizado

Caltrans Worker Killed in San Clemente Crash Identified

San Clemente, California: 55-year-old Alexander Rodish, who worked for Caltrans, died after he was struck by an out-of-control tow truck Monday morning on Interstate 5 in San Clemente.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident was reported around 9:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes near Avenue Palizado.

CHP said Rodish and another Caltrans worker were pulled over on the right shoulder of the freeway to pick up some debris in the area.

A freeway service patrol tow truck driver veered off the road onto the shoulder and hit the rear of the Caltrans vehicle. The force of the impact caused the Caltrans vehicle to veer to the right onto the Palizada on-ramp, where it launched over a curb and struck a Nissan Rogue driving up the on-ramp.

After hitting the Caltrans vehicle, the tow truck continued straight on the shoulder and ran over Rodish.

Rodish died in the crash.

The other Caltrans worker was also injured in the accident.

The driver of the Rogue was also hurt.

The driver of the tow truck was hospitalized with minor injuries. It was unclear why the tow truck veered off the roadway.

An investigation is ongoing.