Pickup Driver Burned in Freeway Crash

A 63-year-old man suffered burns over 40% of his body Monday when the pickup truck he was driving crashed and burst into flames on the Golden State Freeway in Sun Valley, authorities said.

The accident, which snarled traffic for more than an hour, occurred about 6 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the freeway near Sunland Boulevard, said California Highway Patrol Officer Tami Low.

The driver, Daniel Paschke of Canyon Country, swerved to avoid hitting a tire when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the center divider, Low said.

Paschke was taken to Sherman Oaks Community Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition with first-, second- and third-degree burns to his upper body.