Crash kills 1, injures 1

California Highway Patrol traffic investigators worked Friday to determine what caused a utility truck to lose control and crash on the 73 Freeway Friday morning, killing one person and injuring another.

About 7:50 a.m., authorities said, a white 2003 Ford F350 was northbound on the 73 Toll Road, south of Newport Coast Drive, when the driver lost control and smashed into the freeway’s guard railing and overturned.

Investigators said the truck was traveling about 65 mph when the driver lost control.

Witnesses reported the truck began swerving from left to right until it eventually crashed into the right shoulder.

The truck damaged 60 feet of railing and no other vehicles appeared to have been involved in the crash, said CHP Officer Denise Quesada.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the driver, Jose Diaz Lopez, 20, of San Juan Capistrano, pinned under the truck.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities had to use a crane to lift the truck and free his body.

The truck’s passenger, Jose Luis Arevalo Flores, suffered minor cuts and swelling, and Newport Beach paramedics took him to Western Medical Center, officials said.

Orange County Fire Authority also responded to the crash.

Reporter JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.