WALNUT CREEK — A driver died after crashing a Tesla sedan into the side of a fire truck that was part of a response to an earlier crash near an Interstate 680 exit on Saturday, authorities said.
The fatal collision was reported around 3:50 a.m. near the Treat Boulevard exit from northbound I-680, according to a California Highway Patrol log.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District confirmed the crash in a tweet accompanied by photos posted Saturday morning. In the post, the fire department said firefighters were dealing with a non-injury collision when the driver of a Tesla sedan struck the right side of a ladder truck.
Firefighters said the driver died at the scene and a passenger in the Tesla had to be cut from the car and taken to a local hospital with unspecified injuries. Photos show the front of the sedan was crushed, and damage to the right side of the fire engine.
Four firefighters were also taken to hospital for evaluation of what were later described as minor injuries, the fire department said.
“Slow down and move over when approaching vehicles,” the fire department added in its tweet.
Additional information was not available Saturday night.
Slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles. Truck 1 was hit by a Tesla while blocking I-680 lanes after an earlier accident. Driver pronounced dead at scene; passenger was freed and taken to hospital. Four firefighters were also transported for evaluation. pic.twitter.com/YCGn8We1bK
— Con Fire PIO (@ContraCostaFire) February 18, 2023