A 61-year-old Berkeley nurse was killed in a fiery crash at Bear Creek and Happy Valley roads Tuesday.
Witnesses reported a 2007 Toyota Prius had gone off the road, down an embankment and into a tree at that location at approximately 3:20 p.m. Both witnesses and rescuers reported that the car, which had lodged against a tree 50 feet down a hillside, had caught fire and was burning heavily as help arrived, making extrication of the lone occupant, later identified as Ellen Elizabeth Mates of Berkeley, impossible.
Firefighters responding to the area knocked down a vegetation fire at the crash site.
Anyone witnessing the crash or events leading up to it who have not already spoken with CHP are asked to contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
I drove by this accident. It was horrific. Rest in Peace. Thank you first responders—your job is so very hard.
Will you update?
Hi, Jackie, certainly will – as soon as we get something official…
Thanks.
Thank you again for keeping this updated. I am so very sorry for her loss.
Of course…
i drove by it also, so sad.
Thanks for the alert – we saw he helicopters.
Certainly…