One Dead, Another Injured in Pursuit Ending in Fiery Crash on Highway 24 in Orinda

Two people in the vehicle were taken to the hospital where one was pronounced dead, according to Contra Costa Sheriff

All westbound lanes of Highway 24 were closed Friday morning following a police chase that ended with an overturned vehicle on the freeway in Orinda, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A Contra Costa Sheriff's pursuit resulted in a collision shortly after 9 a.m., near the Camino Pablo off-ramp according to the Contra Costa CHP. The lanes reopened just after 3 p.m. 

Two people in the vehicle were taken to the hospital where one was pronounced dead, according to Contra Costa Sheriff. The CHP reported the overturned car was engulfed in flames and that an ambulance was called to the scene.

An Orinda Police officer stopped the vehicle for code violations in the area of St. Stephens Drive and Tahos Road approximately at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. That's when the vehicle "fled at a high rate of speed leading the officer on a pursuit," the Sheriff's department said.

The police officer lost sight of the suspect vehicle after it entered westbound Highway 24 and eventually crashed.

All westbound Highway 24 traffic is being diverted off the freeway at the Orinda exit. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes if possible.

The sheriff's department was at the scene investigating the crash, said CHP spokesman Officer Brandon Correia.

Copyright BAYCN - Bay City News
Contact Us