One dead after Highway 4 crash near Martinez

One man was killed this morning in a two-vehicle collision on state Highway 4 between Martinez and Hercules, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported just after 6 a.m. in the westbound lanes east of Franklin Canyon Road, said CHP spokesman Officer Brandon Correia. T

he victim, a man in his 50s from Manteca, was driving a white 2013 Ford work truck when he apparently swerved to possibly avoid debris in the road and began to slow down, Correia said.

A man driving behind him in a Ford Focus was unable to stop in time and ran into the back of the truck, which careened off of the road and into a large wooden post, Correia said.

The truck ended up on its roof and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Focus, who was unhurt, pulled over and is cooperating with investigators, who don't believe drugs, alcohol, speed or reckless driving played a part in the collision.