Big rig driver dies in solo Long Beach crash

A tractor-trailer driver died Friday evening on Harbor Scenic Drive after he swerved into a median and the big rig’s fuel tank exploded.
The man, identified by the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office as Kevin Gaspard, 55, of Torrence, was driving west on the 700 block of Harbor Scenic Drive when he lost control of the vehicle, Long Beach police said.Police responded to the collision at 8:05 p.m.Authorities said a preliminary investigation showed Gaspard had been driving “at a high rate of speed” when he hit the curb, causing him to swerve into a center median.Investigators believe the tractor-trailer then hit a pillar, causing the fuel tank to explode.The crash snapped the tractor-trailer connection and uncoupled the trailer, which continued westbound until it overturned on the roadway, authorities said.