Watch CBS News

Open Wine Containers Inside Car That Crashed On I-880 In Oakland Killing 3

OAKLAND (CBS SF / KCBS) — CHP Officer Sam Morgan said alcohol and high speeds are likely to blame for a Saturday morning crash that killed three people and left one critically injured.

A San Leandro police officer spotted the 1990 Buick LeSabre driving in an unsafe manner in a parking lot near Greenhouse Marketplace at Lewelling Boulevard and Washington Avenue shortly before 3 a.m., CHP officials said.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

"[It] collided into the concrete wall that separates the on and off ramp at 98th Avenue for Interstate 880 north. Speed is definitely a factor in this collision," said Morgan.

He noted that open containers of wine were found in the vehicle that split in two upon impact, but it was not immediately known if the driver or passenger were impaired according to CHP.

The Buick exited at the 98th Avenue exit and drove through a dirt field before it crashed into a concrete center median.

The driver, a 27-year-old Oakland man, a San Leandro man, 29, and a 20-year-old Hayward woman died at the scene, CHP officials said.

Another woman was taken to the Alameda County Medical Center at Highland Hospital with life threatening injuries.

After the crash, police determined that the suspects were allegedly involved in a burglary at the Food Maxx store. Although an alcoholic container was found in the car, it was not immediately known if the driver or passengers were impaired, according to the CHP.

"This is a tragic incident," said police Lt. Greg Lemmon. "It is unfortunate that the driver chose to place the lives of his passengers at risk while making a conscious decision to drive in a reckless manner."

The names of the deceased victims have not yet been released. The California Highway Patrol will be investigating the crash, while the San Leandro Police Department will be conducting an administrative investigation into the incident.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.