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An SUV failed to negotiate an on-ramp to the 405 in Van Nuys and crashed into a large truck, killing the SUVs driver and his 6-year-old daughter and injuring 6 others in the early afternoon of Saturday, August 22nd.

An SUV failed to negotiate an on-ramp to the 405 in Van Nuys and crashed into a large truck, killing the SUVs driver and his 6-year-old daughter and injuring 6 others in the early afternoon of Saturday, August 22nd. The crash occurred on the northbound 405 at Sherman Way around 12:45 pm.

According to authorities, the driver of a 1992 Ford Explorer, identified as Efrain Sifuentes Hurtado, 37, of Van Nuys, was entering the 405 North from Sherman Way when he failed to follow the curving on-ramp, instead entering northbound traffic at a perpendicular angle. The SUV slammed into the front of a large truck driving in the number two lane.

Hurtado was pronounced dead at the scene. His 6-year-old daughter was extricated from the vehicle by rescue personnel and taken to a local hospital, but was later pronounced dead. A 40-year-old woman, 4-year-old girl, and 1-year-old boy also in the Explorer also had to be extricated from the vehicle. They were taken to local hospitals with minor to major injuries. Three occupants of the truck that was struck were also taken to local hospitals with minor injuries. Everyone involved in the collision was wearing a seat belt.

All lanes of the 405 North were closed for two hours for investigation and cleanup before some lanes reopened. Authorities continue to investigate the crash. They do not know why Hurtado failed to navigate the on-ramp.