Wheeler Ridge, CA – On the afternoon of Monday, August 25, 2025, a single-vehicle big rig rollover on Interstate 5 near Laval Road killed truck driver Hongyi Ji, 62, of Orlando, Florida, according to KBAK, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash took place around 2:22 PM on the northbound I-5 off-ramp to Laval Road west.

Investigators stated that Ji drove the big rig northbound when it veered left across the Laval Road on-ramp to northbound I-5 and overturned. The trailer, loaded with boxes of jeans, landed on its side, pinning the cab against the ground. 

Emergency crews from CHP and the Kern County Fire Department responded quickly and attempted life-saving measures, but Ji died at the scene from his injuries.

The crash forced authorities to close the Laval Road west off-ramp from northbound I-5 and the Wheeler Ridge northbound on-ramp while they conducted recovery and cleanup operations. Tow trucks with heavy rotators removed the overturned truck and trailer.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the rollover and have not determined why the vehicle left the roadway.

Single-Vehicle Collisions

In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.

Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.