A pickup truck driver died Saturday when it struck a support for a freeway overpass sign on Interstate Highway 680 in Concord, the California Highway Patrol said.
The solo crash occurred at the split with state Highway 242 about 4:33 a.m., the CHP said in a statement.
The white Ford F-150 was driving north on I-680 at high speed when it struck the large metal column on the right shoulder, police said.
The truck, with the driver inside, was engulfed in flame when firefighters arrived, according to a spokesman for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection Department.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses to the crash or or the events leading up to it were asked to contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
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I drove by the crash site earlier today.
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I found it very odd the driver was able to hit the Exit 51 sign support pole because it has a steel guard rail located only three to six feet away on the side facing I-680.
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That either means the truck “hooked” around the guard rail or came across from Hwy 242. I’m thinking the former because there are two skid marks leading off the pavement on the shoulder of I-680 and narrowly missing the leading end of the rail. Unknown they were from this incident.
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RIP to the deceased.
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It says at high speed and at 430am. Generally, trucks have a high center of gravity, which causes swerving at unsafe speeds. Moreover I am thinking the driver misjudged the fork in the road, again traveling at high speed. It’s pretty dark at 430 in the morning and on coming headlights can wreak havoc too.
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Concur.
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What is somewhat baffling is the short distance between the skid marks and the pole. At a high rate of speed, the expected arc of travel would have a much wider radius. Then again, I’m not sure if the skid marks were created by the incident vehicle.
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Heartbreaking. RIP. Praying for all the loved ones.
I saw the truck. It was a very severe accident. RIP
do you happen to have a photo of the accident? i was a close friend of the deceased and friends and family are still struggling to put things together
What a horrible way to go. So sad.
Rest in Peace.
Only speculation, but the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Whatever the case, my sympathies to the driver’s family.
Rest In Peace Jace this is so horrible way to young to go this way you will be missed
So sad, sleep in heavenly peace Jace. Prayers for the family.
I just read about Jace’s passing right now. I was in shock. I went to middle school with him. He was the light of the room. He was always the teachers favorite. The funny guy. Making everyone laugh and always very kind to others. It’s so sad to know that he passed. Sending love to Jace’s family and loved ones. You were too young Jace. You will be missed.