Coroner Identifies Driver In Fatal I-680 Crash Into Fire Truck

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Contra Costa County coroner's office has identified a person killed last weekend when a Tesla slammed into a fire truck on northbound Interstate Highway 680 in Walnut Creek.

Genesis Mendoza-Martinez, 31, of Pittsburg, was pronounced dead at the scene early Saturday morning, the coroner's office told Bay City News.

Four Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters suffered minor injuries in the crash reported around 3:50 a.m. Saturday near the Treat Boulevard off-ramp on northbound Highway 680.

The Con Fire engine was stopped at the back of the scene of a previous crash to protect personnel and help divert traffic when the Tesla Model S crashed into the back of the fire engine, the California Highway Patrol said.

The passenger of the Tesla suffered major injuries and was transported to the hospital. The four firefighters aboard the engine were also taken to a hospital for precautionary measures.

The CHP was continuing its investigation of the fatal collision.

"It is unclear if drug or alcohol influence is a factor in this crash," the CHP said. "It was unable to be determined at the scene if the Tesla was being operated with any driver assistance or automation activated at the time of the crash. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980."

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.