TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A driver was killed and their passenger severely injured after a crash involving a big rig Friday afternoon.

According to CHP, witnesses rescued the passenger from a fiery death.

CHP says the pair was driving down Highway 99 through Tulare when the driver attempted to move to the shoulder, that’s when officials say a big rig clipped the car.

The impact caused the driver to lose control and drive up the Merritt Avenue off-ramp. The car finally came to a rest after crashing into the overpass’s concrete barrier. 

Witnesses were able to extract the driver and the passenger before the car burst into flames, but unfortunately, CHP says the driver died at the scene.

The passenger was transported to a local hospital with major injuries; the driver of the big rig was not injured.