Two killed in crash off I-580 in Pleasanton

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ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Two killed in fiery crash on I-580 near Pleasanton
The CHP says two people were killed when a car drove off eastbound Interstate 580 in Pleasanton.

PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Two people have died after a fiery accident on Interstate Highway 580 on the Dublin-Pleasanton border. The CHP is investigating exactly what triggered the crash, but witnesses say a car appeared to be speeding before it crashed.

The crumpled piece of metal left over from the crash hardly even looks like a car, and investigators said they haven't been able to determine the car's make or model. Authorities said they would have to look at the car's engine to get a vehicle identification number so they can try to identify the victims.

Witnesses reported seeing a speeding black sports car heading eastbound on I-580 in Pleasanton. After the car crashed it burst into flames, so there was little rescue crews could do.

"Officers got there, the vehicle was fully engulfed and the hillside fire was spreading and with the equipment we have there was no way of us approaching a fire of that magnitude," California Highway Patrol officer Steve Creel said.

When rescuers finally reached the car they realized two people died inside. Witnesses say it was about 11 p.m. last night when the car clipped an SUV, then flew off of I-580, down an embankment and into a tree.

"Fortunately there were no injuries there were two adults and four children ranging from 9 to 16 years of age in that vehicle and there were no injuries in that vehicle," Creel said. "They are out of the Tracy area."

Regina Newton lives nearby, just off of Dublin Canyon Road in Pleasanton. When she saw the fire she was at first concerned about it spreading in these dry conditions, but then her focus changed.

"I heard a breaking and seconds later the crash," said Regina Newton. "When I heard no one made it, I worried about people inside and their families because it's just a sad way to end your life like that," Newton said.

The Alameda County coroner's office said they have not identified the victims yet and said it might take some time.