Truck crashes into toll plaza at Richmond-San Rafael bridge

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- A San Pablo man suffered major injuries when his SUV crashed into the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The 46-year-old driver was allegedly speeding in a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado west on Interstate Highway 580 in Richmond around 5:15 a.m., CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.

The driver was heading toward the far left toll lane but suddenly tried to get in the No. 2 lane and struck the safety attenuator between the two lanes, Barclay said.

The truck began overturning and the top of its cab struck the toll plaza booth, causing major damage to the truck and booth. The truck came to rest on its wheels with the driver trapped inside, according to Barclay.

The CHP and the Richmond Fire Department responded and closed three lanes of traffic at the toll plaza while the driver was removed from his vehicle, Barclay said.

The driver suffered major life-threatening injuries and was taken to Highland Hospital in Oakland, Barclay said.

The crash closed two of the three toll lanes until 6:34 a.m. and the No. 2 lane remained closed for repairs this morning, Barclay said.