51-year-old Richmond man dies in solo car crash near Hercules

HERCULES — A 51-year-old Richmond man was killed in a solo car crash that ignited a small grass fire early Saturday morning near Hercules, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The man’s identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Officers responded around 2 a.m. to reports of the crash in the westbound lanes of Highway 4, just east of Willow Avenue, the CHP said.

Officers arrived to find a silver Ford Taurus that had veered off the roadway and hit the metal guard rail before crashing into a metal utility pole. The force of the collision caused the Taurus to overturn on the grassy embankment, igniting a small fire, which was quickly extinguished, the CHP said.

Medical personnel found the driver conscious, but suffering from major injuries. He was trapped in the front seat of the car. But, officers said they were able to remove him and fly him by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he died from his injuries.

It’s not yet clear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash, which is still under investigation, the CHP said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading to it are encouraged to contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.