Fatal South Bay Crash Investigated As DUI

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — A single-vehicle South Bay crash early Saturday morning that left one person dead and two injured is being investigated as a DUI incident, the Santa Clara Police Department

The agency said in a statement it has submitted a criminal complaint to the county's District Attorney’s Office for possible charges for driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Officers at around 1:55 a.m. Saturday responded to intersection of Lawrence Expressway and Poinciana Drive on the report of a collision involving a solo vehicle that collided with a traffic signal pole, police said.

A preliminary investigation determined the vehicle was traveling southbound on Lawrence Expressway when it drifted to the right when approaching Poinciana Drive before striking a traffic island and a traffic signal pole, police said.

No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

A 41-year-old female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.

The driver, a 36-year-old male, and a 35- year-old male passenger, were both hospitalized with major injuries, police said.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact traffic investigator Scott Wilson at (408) 615-4764. Anonymous information can also be shared by calling the Anonymous Tip Line at (408) 615-4TIP (4847).