Driver Arrested After Being Pulled From Burning Car

The driver of a burning car was pulled from the vehicle early Thursday morning after it drifted into oncoming Highway 118 traffic, struck a truck and caught on fire, according to the California Highway Patrol.

He was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, the CHP said.

At about 1:50 a.m., Eric Murphy, 28, of Goleta, crossed over onto the westbound side of Highway 118 directly into the path of a big rig. Though the truck driver, Clemente Barrientos, 60, of Pacoima, tried to avoid the accident, Murphy's 2004 Acura hit the truck's right side and caught on fire, according to the CHP. 

When Barrientos and his passenger realized Murphy was unable to get out of his car, they broke the Acura's rear window and removed him from the car with the help of another motorist. The CHP said Murphy was arrested for DUI and transported to Los Robles Hospital, where he was admitted due to injuries.

The accident, which happened west of Grimes Canyon Road, caused a 30-minute closure of the highway. The collision remains under investigation by the Moorpark Highway Patrol office.