Three people killed in a crash off of state Highway 24 in Orinda early Saturday morning have been identified by the Contra Costa County coroner’s office.
Sione Vaitafa, 21, of Hayward, and Mauni Pahulu, 22, and Molomona Eteaki, 31, both of Oakland, died in the crash reported shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday involving a red 2009 Nissan Versa that went off the highway just east of Camino Pablo, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators haven’t determined how fast the Nissan was going or why it veered to the right off the highway and struck a tree head-on, CHP officials said. All three victims died at the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it is asked to call the CHP’s Contra Costa-area office at (925) 646-4980.
18 comments
If investigator’s did their job maybe they would think to check cell phone usage during the time of the accident. Most likely texting or talking.
The inspectors are likely doing their jobs, not sitting around waiting for something to happen. Probably a stack of folders on the desk ahead of this one. Due to the state of today’s legal system, police work now involves excruciating detail.
Texting and talking on their cell shortly after 3 a.m.? And how many people are awake at that hour?
There is a subsection of people that are up all night for several nights,then eventually sleep.It’s called “crashing”.This seems to be a very real term.
Maybe the investigation is still under way, maybe if you could do a better job you would be out there working as a detective instead of a keyboard warrior.
@ Kentucky Derby
Same could be said to people driving at 3am.
Don’t feed the troll.
@TraumaRx
It’s funny how everyone thinks your a troll! I’m pretty sure this accident could have been totally avoided but hey you play stupid games then you win stupid prizes.. in the article it states they don’t know how fast the car was going… it’s CA I’m sure they were speeding or high or not wearing seatbelts…..
Having been married to s cop at one I e doesn’t give you the knowledge or experience or train8bg to tell the cops what todo.
TR
Stupid! ! !
Investigators do do their job!
My condolences to the families who have needlessly lots their sons! That hurt won’t heal anytime soon.
Hopefully the vehicles ECM / PCM computer has been pulled and the data is being looked at.
One wonders if there was a licenced driver in the car,and did they all just fall asleeo?Texting is a good possibility though.Esp considering their age.
The Times article stated they were returning from a church thing. Really? Going home at 3 AM? Was it in Sacramento or farther out? Was alcohol or THC served? Blood analysis of the driver will take some time, so patience, folks.
No assumptions, just so sad, 3 young lives were lost. My heart goes out to their families and friends. My sincerest condolences.
It honestly does not matter what they were doing or where they were coming from. They lost their lives and I’m sure they have families who are devastated.
Trauma Rx is a troll full of unnecessary comments on every single post on this site.
There is a single vehicle accident that was reported at 10:26 p.m. in the same area now.
02694 10:26 PM Trfc Collision-1141 Enrt Sr24 W / Fish Ranch Rd Ofr WB SR24 JEO FISH RANCH Contra Costa —
Reported as a White van overturned on its roof.
Why do people continue to be pulled in by the comments of Trauma. Practice the art of ignore, ignore, ignore, and maybe he/she will go away!
That stretch of freeway is notoriously slippery/dangerous when wet. Every rainy season there is numerous violent spin outs often multiple on the extra wet nights
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