At a Glance
- A 55-year-old man died after a semi-truck backed over him in a Van Nuys parking lot.
- The collision occurred just before 2 p.m. near Van Nuys Boulevard.
- The victim was asleep on the ground when the truck rolled backward.
Why it matters: Pedestrian safety in commercial zones is under scrutiny after the second fatality involving a large truck in the area this year.
A man died Thursday afternoon after being struck by a semi-truck that was maneuvering through a Van Nuys parking lot, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Incident
Officers responded to the deadly collision shortly before 2 p.m. near Van Nuys Boulevard, just south of the main thoroughfare. The semi-truck driver was backing up when the vehicle rolled over the victim, who had been sleeping on the ground, police said.
Emergency crews pronounced the man dead at the scene. The Los Angeles Fire Department identified the deceased as a 55-year-old man. His name has not been released pending notification of family.
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division is handling the investigation. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events.
No arrest has been made, and the truck driver remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities. Investigators have not disclosed whether speed, visibility, or mechanical issues played a role.
Parking-Lot Safety Concerns
Thursday’s fatality marks the second pedestrian death involving a commercial truck in the Van Nuys area this year, according to News Of Losangeles‘s records. Local residents say the parking lot, which serves several warehouses and auto-body shops, is frequently used by big rigs making deliveries.
Key safety issues noted by workers in the area:
- Limited pedestrian walkways
- Poor sight-lines for reversing trucks
- People occasionally sleeping or resting between parked vehicles
What Happens Next
The LAPD will forward its findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted. Routine toxicology screens have been requested for both the driver and the deceased, standard procedure in fatal collisions.
Traffic investigators urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-cam footage to contact Valley Traffic Division detectives at (818) 644-8028.
Key Takeaways
- A 55-year-old man sleeping in a Van Nuys parking lot died after a semi-truck backed over him.
- The collision occurred before 2 p.m., prompting a large emergency response.
- Police continue to investigate; the driver cooperated and no arrest has been made.
