Speed May Have Contributed To Fiery Crash That Killed Family: Reports

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton police confirmed to NBC Bay Area and ABC7 that speed may have played a role in the Foothill Road crash that killed a family of four. They have also said they do not suspect alcohol, drugs, or foul play.

The site of the crash, near the intersection with Stoneridge Drive, is a particularly treacherous section of road where two lanes merge into one, followed by a sharp curve. Several crashes have taken place nearby over the years.

Police told NBC that they believe the family was driving a VinFast electric car, a Vietnamese model that has only been available in the United States since March 2023 and sold fewer than 1,000 vehicles in North America last year.

In 2023, VinFast recalled hundreds of V8 models after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that software errors caused dashboard display glitches that could increase the risk of crashes. VinFast denied a request from NBC Bay Area for comment, the outlet said.

As of Friday night, it is unknown what exact model the family was driving, or if the crash was due to any mechanical issues.

Police have not released any further information as of 7 p.m. Friday, including the names of the victims.

“The Pleasanton Police Department continues the investigation into a single-vehicle accident that resulted in the tragic loss of a family of four, consisting of a mother, a father, and two children under the age of 15,” the department said in an update Thursday evening. “Officers are diligently working to determine the cause of the incident, and it appears the car collided with a large oak tree along Foothill Road.”

The City of Pleasanton sent out a news release Friday morning confirming these details, and noted that the coroner’s office is still working to notify the next of kin before the names are released.

“A full investigation of the accident is ongoing, although speed may have been a factor,” the city said. “The vehicle appears to have lost control and collided with a large oak tree. Despite efforts to render aid to one of the children, all four individuals died at the scene.

"The City of Pleasanton offers its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. We understand that this tragedy deeply impacts the victims’ families, first responders, and our entire community, and encourage those affected to seek support through available resources."

Livermore-Pleasanton Battalion Fire Chief Chris Jesberg told The Mercury News that the four were traveling in an electric car that crashed into a tree and burst into flames at around 9 p.m. Wednesday night.

Photos and video footage from the crash site show a heavily charred tree, and an ABC7 reporter said that even two days later, the site still smells like smoke, and remnants of the car and flame retardant foam are still visible. Police told ABC7 that the car crashed into a pole, then caught fire multiple times.

Hart Middle School Principal Caroline Fields sent an email confirming that one of the victims attended Hart, while another attended Donlon Elementary School, according to a report in Pleasanton Weekly. The Pleasanton Unified School District sent an email Thursday stating that it has secured additional resources for students and staff in need.

The district also sent a list of local grief resources, and a document called “How to Support Your Grieving Student” available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Hindi. The district also contracts with Care Solace, a 24/7 online concierge service that connects students, families, and staff with local mental health resources.

Family and friends started a makeshift memorial of flowers and signs at the site of the crash on Foothill Road near Stoneridge Drive. One man who worked with the father told KPIX that he was a “very nice person” who was “always energetic and a pleasure to work with.”

Another told KRON4 the man was a “great father, a great coworker.”

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