In a tragic incident on Friday, May 12, a second person has died after a two-car collision on Highway 4 in Martinez, California. The accident occurred at around 5:45 pm when a 2018 Nissan Sentra traveling westbound on Highway 4 crossed the center divider and collided with a 2021 Kia Rio traveling eastbound. The driver of the Nissan Sentra, a 21-year-old woman from Brentwood, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The passenger in the Kia Rio, a 60-year-old woman from Martinez, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Sadly, she passed away on Saturday, May 13, from her injuries. The driver of the Kia Rio, a 60-year-old man from Martinez, was also transported to the hospital with moderate injuries and is expected to recover.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, and authorities have not yet disclosed whether drugs or alcohol were a factor. The crash caused a major backup on the highway, with traffic being diverted onto local roads for several hours.
The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their families. The California Highway Patrol has asked anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward with any information they may have.
This tragedy is a reminder of the importance of safe driving and the devastating consequences that can result from a momentary lapse in judgment. As we continue to mourn the loss of these two individuals, we must also remember to always prioritize safety on the road and to never take the privilege of driving for granted.