Driver Killed In Crash With Big Rig On Highway 37: CHP

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — A man was killed Thursday when a big rig collided with at least four cars on state Highway 37 near Mare Island in Solano County, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fatal incident happened at 11:29 a.m. when the driver of a Freightliner big rig was traveling westbound on SR-37, east of Mare Island, and came upon slower-moving traffic, CHP Officer Jason Tyhurst said.

The big-rig driver, a 45-year-old Vacaville man, swerved to the right and collided with a concrete barrier, then crashed into a Chevy truck, a Toyota Camry and a Tesla Model 3, Tyhurst said.

"The Freightliner then collided with the concrete center median, went through the median and into the eastbound lanes where it collided with a Dodge pickup," Tyhurst said.

A 30-year-old Bakersfield man was driving the Dodge Ram pickup and was pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP said. His name was expected to be disclosed by the Solano County coroner's office once his family members were properly notified.

A 32-year-old Brentwood man was driving the Toyota and was taken to Sutter Solano Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Debris from the center median also struck an Infiniti in the eastbound lanes.

Traffic was blocked in both directions and a Sig-alert was issued around 11:45 a.m.

Caltrans had to do an emergency repair of a 6-foot-long piece of k-rail that broke off the center divider.

As of 2 p.m., a severe traffic alert remained in effect and the left lanes were blocked in both directions.

Drivers were advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes to avoid the area.

Around 4:15 p.m., the roadway was reopened in both directions.

"At this time, it is unknown if distracted driving, drugs and/or alcohol intoxication is a factor in this traffic collision," Tyhurst said.

CHP asked anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to contact the CHP at its non-emergency line at 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247) or the CHP Solano Area Office at 707-639-5600.

"Relate that you have information for CHP-Solano and Officer Mendenhall who is handling this investigation," Tyhurst said.