Wrong-Way Crash on I-680 in Walnut Creek Area Kills 1, Injures 7 After CHP Says Driver Was Impaired

WALNUT CREEK, CA — One person was killed and seven others were injured late Friday when a wrong-way driver collided with six vehicles on Interstate 680 in the Walnut Creek and Concord area, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash happened about 11:23 p.m. just north of Treat Boulevard, where CHP said the driver was traveling south in the northbound lanes.

Victim and injuries

CHP said a passenger in one of the northbound vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four other people, including the wrong-way driver, suffered major injuries, while three more sustained minor injuries.

Driver arrested at hospital

The wrong-way vehicle was a Dodge Charger, and the woman driving it was taken to a local hospital after the crash.

Authorities later determined she had been impaired at the time of the collision, and CHP said she was placed under arrest while still receiving treatment.

Traffic shut down overnight

All northbound lanes of I-680 were blocked after the collision, creating an overnight closure on the busy East Bay freeway.

CHP said the lanes reopened around 3:35 a.m. Saturday.

Investigation continues

CHP said charges against the driver are still being determined. The agency has not released additional details about the people involved beyond the injuries reported at the scene.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.