The California Highway Patrol San Francisco Area is requesting assistance following two back-to-back traffic crashes on I-280, near Daly City, resulting in one fatality. A hit-and-run incident that took place late Wednesday night has launched an investigation as officers work to identify a dark-colored vehicle seen fleeing after striking a pedestrian who had been involved in an earlier collision.
The incident began with a multi-vehicle collision just before midnight on July 23rd. A chain-reaction crash, involving four vehicles, temporarily blocked a portion of the southbound traffic lanes on I-280. According to CHP San Francisco’s social media post, the vehicles involved were a white Ford Edge SUV, an orange Chevy Trax, a grey Toyota Prius, and a blue Honda Civic. The drivers were exchanging information when, only minutes later, another vehicle struck one of the drivers who had exited his vehicle to stand alongside the wreckage.
The victim, a 25-year-old male from Vallejo, was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The vehicle in question, described as a dark-colored coupe or sedan with a loud exhaust system, left the scene immediately after the incident and has yet to be identified. The CHP has called for any witnesses or those with information about the fleeing vehicle, which is expected to have fresh collision damage on the passenger side.
Simultaneously, a separate investigation led to the arrest of the female driver of the Ford Edge after it was determined she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the first crash. In their message to the public, CHP stressed the importance of roadside safety, particularly at night, urging drivers to "always be aware of your surroundings" and avoid standing in active traffic lanes after accidents, which can quickly turn perilous.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the CHP San Francisco Area office at (415) 276-5300 during business hours, with attention to Officer J. Restrepo, or the CHP Golden Gate Communications Center dispatch. It is vital to reference CHP Log #250723GG1670 when providing details that could aid the ongoing investigation.
