Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

1 Dead After Crash on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

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One person was killed after a crash involving a car and a big rig truck on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Wednesday evening, officials said.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was first reported shortly after 7 p.m., when a sedan and a big rig truck collided midspan on the bridge.

The big rig caught fire and the driver was able to get out, but the driver of the sedan was trapped and died, according to the CHP.

About 10:15 p.m., one eastbound lane reopened after the bridge was deemed safe. According to Caltrans schedules online at quickmap.dot.ca.gov, roadwork is scheduled to keep two lanes closed until 5 a.m. Thursday.

“We couldn’t really back up. So, it’s really scary to be stuck behind a car that engulfed in flames,” said Amelia Flores, who was on the bridge at the time of the incident.

Flores said the flames were so menacing that she got out her cell phone and posted the tense moments on social media.

“The flames actually got so high. They were touching the top of the bridge. So it was really really on fire,” she said.

Video taken by viewer Amelia Flores shows drivers approaching tunnel on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, as they try to get away from a fiery big rig crash. CHP officials said that one person died at the scene. (Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022)

Flores told NBC Bay Area Wednesday night that she and her mom felt their lives were in danger.

“There was a span within 10 minutes, it was just us and the truck in front of us. There wasn’t a fire crew to put it out. There wasn’t even a police officer yet,” she said.

Cars were backed up for miles. CHP opened up one lane for a shot time to escort cars off the bridge.

Caltrans Chief of Public Affairs Officer Bart Ney said the main concern was the Thursday morning commute.

“There are areas we always check for after something like this. We’re going to be checking the pavement to see what type of condition it’s in barriers looks like a barrier was involved. Joints are susceptible on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge,” he said.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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