Driver In Deadly Bay Bridge Crash Arrested For DUI, Manslaughter

OAKLAND, CA -- A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter in the death of a toll worker Saturday morning when a truck hit her toll booth on the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, the California Highway Patrol said. Daniel Berk, 32, of Foster City, is under arrest, according to California Highway Patrol spokesman Vu Williams.

Around 5:10 a.m., a line of vehicles was waiting at the toll booth, and a box truck hit the last vehicle in line, causing a chain reaction, according to Williams.

The truck continued westbound and hit the toll booth, the spokesman said. The driver of the truck - suspected to be Berk - and a passenger were hurled from the vehicle onto the road. The driver suffered major injuries and was hospitalized, according to Williams.

The passenger suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized, Williams said. Five other motorists from the vehicles involved in the collision were also taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to
moderate.

All the motorists were taken to Highland Hospital, according to Williams.

The northbound Interstate Highway 880 to westbound Interstate Highway 80 connector is closed, as well as the bus lanes, the HOV lane from westbound Highway 80 and the HOV lane from Highway 880 northbound, while the investigation continues, according to the CHP.

The six toll booths on the right-hand side of the approach to the bridge will remain closed as the CHP continues to investigate, according to Robert Haus, a Caltrans spokesman.

This morning, Williams said motorists should expect the lanes to be closed until the late afternoon.

Capitol Corridor officials said connecting bus service to and from San Francisco has resumed. Earlier, that service was suspended. Transit officials said to expect delays. AC Transit buses are running as usual.

Gov. Jerry Brown today extended condolences to the family, co-workers and friends of Caltrans Toll Collector Si Si Han, who died when the box truck hit the toll booth where she was working, Brown said.

Han, 46, was a Caltrans employee for more than 10 years. She is survived by her husband, Ryan, and their 10-year-old daughter, Ashly, according to a statement from the governor. Flags at the Capitol will be flown at half-staff in her honor.