Man killed in single-vehicle accident near Somerton

A single-vehicle accident near Somerton Thursday evening claimed the life of a man estimated to be in his mid-50s.

According to Robby Rodriguez, spokesman for the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department, the accident occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on Avenue F between County 18th and County 19th.

The man, who was the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rodriguez. His name was not released pending notification of next of kin.

Rodriguez said the vehicle was traveling on Avenue F about a half-mile north of County 18th when it slammed into the side of a flatbed trailer parked on the side of the road.

"There was no truck attached to the trailer," Rodriguez said. "It was loaded with fully boxed lettuce that was waiting to be picked up."

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene and was still investigating the accident later Thursday.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.