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Child dies in crash on I-680 in Sunol
Driver apparently failed to notice traffic slowing for Caltrans lane closure
A 9-year-old girl died overnight after her parents’ car was slammed into by an apparently distracted driver as traffic slowed for construction on Interstate 680 near Sunol, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Martinez girl, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at Eden Medical Center, where her father and mother were also transported, for major and minor injuries, respectively, according to the CHP.
The situation unfolded at 12:20 a.m. Friday on northbound I-680 just south of Calaveras Road, where traffic in the two left lanes of the freeway were slowing to merge right due to Caltrans closures, the CHP said.
The driver of a black Dodge, identified only as a 56-year-old Tracy man, failed to notice that traffic was slowing and crashed into the back of a white Toyota car, officials said. The driver wasn’t paying attention, although the reason wasn’t immediately clear, according to CHP Officer Tyler Hahn. Alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor.
The momentum of the collision pushed the Toyota into a gray Ford in front of it. The crash caused the Dodge to flip and land on its roof inside the Caltrans closure area, the CHP said.
The 9-year-old girl, who was restrained with safety equipment, was inside the Toyota with her 39-year-old father in the driver’s seat and 32-year-old mother as the front passenger, the CHP said. The girl suffered ultimately fatal injuries; the condition of her parents wasn’t immediately clear Friday afternoon.
The Dodge driver and the Ford driver — the only occupants in their cars — were not injured, according to the CHP.
The crash remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made to this point, Hahn said.
The crash investigation and cleanup caused all northbound I-680 lanes to be closed for just over two hours early Friday morning. The CHP is still looking for more witnesses, and anyone with information about the crash can contact the CHP-Dublin Office at 828-0466 and ask for Officer Teague.
With the construction of the north bound HOV lane driving on I 680 in either direction at any time between Pleasanton and Milpitas has become a hazardous endeavor.
My heart goes out to the family of the little girl who lost her life. No parent should ever bury a child.
I have no words.
I drive 680 2 to 3 times a week and it’s a hazzard. The lanes are narrowed, and they bend unexpectedly and the cement barriers are close. People are speeding and passing on the right and swerving over and traffic stops suddenly. You can be as attentive as you like and still get hit. I’ve seen many more accidents since changes. I avoid driving 680 if I can.
Gee thanks for the advice I’ve been driving it for 20 years.
Isn’t there construction in that aream
Mikel,
I disagree. It’s different, but different doesnt have to be more dangerous to an attentive driver.
No words – completely agree. Absolutely tragic.
I drive 680 daily- pay attention, you’ll be fine