CHP Investigates Fatal Crash On Highway 24 In Orinda

LAMORINDA, CA — Authorities were investigating whether DUI was a factor in a fatal crash Friday morning on state Highway 24 in Orinda.

The collision involving a blue Ford Flex and a red Toyota Corolla was reported at 8:24 a.m. on eastbound SR-24 at Wilder Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

All eastbound lanes were blocked, prompting a sig-alert for the roadway. Eastbound traffic was backed up through the tunnel, and cars were diverted to the Wilder Road offramp.

The CHP said its preliminary investigation indicated a man driving a blue Ford Flex was traveling eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, he crashed into the back of a red Toyota Corolla traveling in the same direction.

The man and sole occupant of the Toyota was not injured.

The Ford driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from his car, the CHP said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name will be released by the Contra Costa County coroner once his next of kin are properly notified.

"It is still under investigation whether DUI was a factor in this crash," CHP Officer Daniel Gilmore said.

Eastbound lanes were reopened shortly after 11:30 a.m. once the roadway was cleared.

The crash remained under investigation Friday. The CHP asked anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it to contact the Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at 925-646-4980 or email their contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.