CASTAIC, CA (May 27, 2024) – A fatal collision occurred on May 15 along the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Castaic, north of Lake Hughes Road. Local authorities and the California Highway Patrol’s Newhall Office confirmed the incident involving two vehicles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Coroner’s office has identified the victim as Benjamin Kelley, 54, a resident of Washington.
Kelley was discovered deceased at the scene, where his Chevrolet Cruz had been involved in a collision with a Ford Superduty, driven by a 63-year-old man from Newhall. Details regarding the Ford driver’s involvement in the crash have not been disclosed.
An investigation into the fatal accident has been initiated to determine the cause and assign liability. Traffic fatalities are a significant concern in the United States, with an approximate 36,000 deaths and 1.9 million injuries occurring annually due to motor vehicle crashes. Statistically, speed is a leading factor in such fatalities, with alcohol, drug influence, staying within the proper lane, yielding rights of way, and distracted driving also contributing to many accidents.
