Driver Killed in Fiery Crash on Highway 88 in Amador County

AMADOR COUNTY, Calif. (June 9, 2025) — A tragic crash on Highway 88 near Inspiration Drive East claimed the life of one person Sunday morning in Amador County when a vehicle was torn in half after a violent collision.

The crash occurred just before 10:00 a.m. on June 8, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Witnesses reported that a silver Volkswagen sedan was involved in a high-impact collision with an unknown object or vehicle. The force of the crash split the Volkswagen in half, ejecting the driver onto the roadway.

One Killed in Collision on State Route 88

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, but by the time officers and medics arrived on scene, the victim had already succumbed to their injuries.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was notified of debris in the road, and an initial tow request was made but later canceled, indicating the severity of the wreckage and ongoing investigation needs.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it’s unclear whether speed, impairment, or mechanical failure were factors.

Highway 88, a scenic but sometimes treacherous route through the Sierra foothills, has seen a number of serious crashes in recent years. This latest fatality underscores the dangers of travel on rural highways.

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Source: CHP