Executive Summary
- A fatal crash occurred Tuesday afternoon on the westbound San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
- CHP investigators determined the driver of a utility van was distracted by a phone before striking a stalled Kia.
- The driver of the Kia was killed, and a passenger in the van suffered major injuries.
- Westbound traffic was halted for nearly five hours; drugs and alcohol are not suspected.
SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. — A distracted driver operating a commercial utility van fatally struck a stalled vehicle on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the death of one motorist and major injuries to another, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The collision occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. in the westbound lanes of the bridge, east of the midspan. CHP investigators stated in a press release issued Wednesday that the driver of a Ford Transit van, which displayed branding for Rooter Hero Plumbing, was looking at a cellular phone immediately prior to the impact.
“A Ford Transit Van was travelling in the #2 lane, at an unknown speed, when the driver became distracted by his cellular phone and looked away from the road,” the CHP statement detailed. “When the driver returned his attention to the roadway, he observed the stalled vehicle directly ahead of him.”
According to the police report, the van driver attempted to swerve but collided with the stalled Kia sedan. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the van sustained major injuries and was transported to Stanford Hospital for treatment.
The crash forced the closure of all westbound lanes for nearly five hours as authorities conducted an on-site investigation. CHP officials noted that neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected as factors in the collision. The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office is withholding the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
Investigative Outlook
The investigation into the incident remains active as authorities determine the full scope of liability. While traffic investigators have identified distracted driving as the primary cause, it remains unclear if criminal charges will be filed against the driver of the van. The focus of the ongoing inquiry will likely center on the precise speed of the vehicle and the duration of the distraction. It is important to note that all individuals involved in police investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
