1 Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On Highway 4 In Contra Costa County: CHP

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Drug and/or alcohol impairment is suspected in a fatal wrong-way crash Tuesday morning on state Highway 4 near Pittsburg, the California Highway Patrol said.

Around 11:05 a.m. Tuesday, the CHP was notified of a wrong-way driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of SR-4 near Railroad Avenue, the CHP said. The wrong-way vehicle, a Dodge Durango SUV, continued westbound in the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a Honda Accord that was traveling in the eastbound lanes of SR-4.

Following the initial crash, the Honda was struck by a Toyota Highlander traveling eastbound, then was hit a third time by a three-axle tanker truck that was also traveling eastbound.

There was major damage to the four involved vehicles, all of which came to rest within the eastbound lanes. A Sig-alert was in place from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. as all eastbound lanes were blocked.

The Honda was occupied by one adult driver and one adult passenger. The driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment of major injuries, the CHP said.

The Toyota was occupied by one adult driver and one infant passenger; both were taken to a hospital for complaint-of-pain injuries.

The tanker truck was occupied by an adult driver who was not injured.

Following the crash, the driver of the Dodge ran away from the scene but was taken into custody by the Pittsburg Police Department, the CHP said.

"At this time, it is believed drugs and/or alcohol impairment may have been a factor in this crash," the CHP said. "This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash, the wrong-way vehicle prior to the crash, or the events leading up to the crash, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez at 925-646-4980."