VAN CRASH VICTIM NOT IDENTIFIED CORONER'S OFFICE CHECKING RECORDS.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE - A man who was killed when his van plunged off the side of a freeway and burst into flames will not be identified for at least a week, officials said Friday.

The man's van crashed near the junction of the Foothill and Glendale freeways after he drove erratically and weaved in and out of traffic, California Highway Patrol Officer Frank Sansone said.

The Coroner's Office will check dental records before releasing the victim's name, said Scott Carrier, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Although the Coroner's Office does have a tentative name, Carrier said officials will not release it until they are positive and have notified next of kin.

Witnesses told CHP officers the van was speeding down the westbound Foothill Freeway in an erratic manner about 3:05 p.m. Thursday when the driver rear-ended a car and lost control of his 1978 Dodge van. The van careened over the side of the southbound Glendale Freeway transition road, struck several trees, turned upside down and landed on its tires before bursting into flames, Officer Richard Perez said.