Wrong-Way Driver Triggers Fatal I-680 Crash Friday

A driver suspected of speeding south in the northbound lanes of I-680 at Oak Road triggered a lethal multi-car crash that left at least one person dead and several others seriously injured shortly before midnight Friday.

Reports of a black Dodge Charger traveling at high speed the wrong way on the freeway began to come in around 11:20 p.m., with motorists calling for help after a collision shortly after.

Police were checking road cameras to see if the suspect vehicle entered the freeway from Concord before driving south in the northbound lanes. The Charger and at least two other cars were reportedly involved in the initial collision with six cars ultimately reported involved in the crash.

The California Highway Patrol quickly closed the freeway to facilitate the evacuation of dead and injured as well as to conduct their investigation into the crash.

A passenger in one of the northbound vehicles, later identified as Shanell Smith, 42, of Antioch, was pronounced dead at the scene while four others – including the wrong-way driver – suffered major injuries. Three other motorists were treated for minor injuries.

The female driver of the Dodge Charger was later determined to have been driving while under the influence and arrested at the hospital. Charges against her were not specified.

All lanes of northbound I-680 remained closed until about 3:35 a.m.

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