Wrong-way Driver Killed in Antioch Crash on Highway 160, Highway 4 (April 22)
Fatal Crash Shuts Down Highway Connector in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County, CA – A fatal head-on collision involving a suspected wrong-way driver shut down the eastbound Highway 4 connector to northbound SR-160 Tuesday night in Antioch.
Four vehicles were involved in the collision, prompting an extended SigAlert and hours-long road closure, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The crash occurred just after 9:20 p.m. on April 22nd near the connector in Contra Costa County. Investigators say a wrong-way driver in a Lexus caused the collision when the vehicle crashed head-on into a Mercedes. The drivers of a Honda and Dodge Durango ended up colliding with the first two vehicles.
The wrong-way driver was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:50 p.m. by fire officials. The driver from the Mercedes was airlifted to a trauma center with major injuries and the Dodge driver had undisclosed injuries. The motorist in the Honda was not treated for injuries on scene.
All lanes were blocked for hours as emergency crews worked to extract people from the vehicles and clear the scene. One vehicle was found upside-down in the center divider. Evidence tow trucks and the crime lab were dispatched overnight to assist with the investigation.
Detectives say the wrong-way motorist had been engaged in a police pursuit earlier in the night, but was not under pursuit at the time of the collision.
Caltrans extended the closure multiple times through early Wednesday morning, with the final reopening of lanes occurring shortly after 6 a.m.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased. Finally, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with the sheriff’s office, are heading up the investigation.
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Source: CHP
