Watch CBS News

Driver escapes death after large metal beam pierces windshield

SAN JOSE, California -- Northern California authorities say a driver is lucky to be alive after a large metal beam pierced the windshield of his SUV while on a San Jose freeway.

San Jose Fire Department Capt. Christopher Salcido says the beam fell off of a flatbed truck, crashing through the windshield and lodging itself into the driver's seat of the BMW.

The driver, 66-year-old Don Lee of San Jose, California, suffered a small scratch to his right arm.

Both vehicles were traveling at 60 mph when the incident occurred around noon Friday on I-280.

CBS San Francisco reports that the accident happened around noon on southbound Interstate 280 near the Saratoga exit.

Twenty-two-year-old Javier Zambrano of Los Banos was driving the Ford flatbed truck carrying the beam. California Highway Patrol spokesman Ross Lee says Zambrano will be cited for spilling a load once the investigation is complete.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.