Driver Dies After Vehicle Goes Down Ravine In Contra Costa Co.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – A 54-year-old driver died early Saturday morning after his vehicle went off a Contra Costa County highway and down a ravine, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was first reported around 1:06 a.m. near the town of Crockett on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 near Cummings Skyway, CHP officials said.

After an initial investigation, officers learned that a vehicle went off the roadway and traveled down a ravine into thick shrubbery, according to the CHP.

Emergency personnel were able to get the driver and a passenger out of the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger, a 52-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries. She was taken to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CHP officials said.

Officers believe the crash may have occurred several hours before it was initially reported, according to the CHP.

The identity of the driver has not been released.

The CHP is investigating and do not know if drugs or alcohol were a factor, CHP officials said.

• Also see: Police Fund For Family Of Contra Costa Co. Officer Killed in I-80 Crash Exceeds Goal In One Day

--Bay City News/File photo