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CONCORD, Contra Costa County, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 — Two people died early on Monday morning, October 19, after a wrong-way vehicle collided head-on with another car on northbound Interstate 680 near Willow Pass Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said a driver traveling south in the northbound lanes struck another vehicle head-on just after 1:50 a.m. near Willow Pass Road. A caller reported seeing the wrong-way vehicle shut off its headlights as it approached, and described one car left sideways in the roadway after impact.
Firefighters with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded and were reportedly working to free at least one person trapped in a vehicle. Two occupants were transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek with a fractured leg and internal injuries, the CHP reported. The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was reportedly suspected of driving under the influence.
The CHP confirmed two fatalities at the scene and notified the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner's office. Investigators requested a tow truck to collect evidence from the vehicles involved. All northbound lanes were closed for several hours overnight for the investigation, with at least one lane reopened before dawn.
The crash remains under investigation. No names have been released.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who died.
More on Crashes in Concord, CA
This fatal crash happened at Interstate 680 and Willow Pass Road in Concord, CA. We cover crashes across Contra Costa County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Contra Costa County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impaired driving is a factor in a large share of wrong-way crashes nationally, since alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and the ability to recognize signs or lane markings.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They happen most often on divided highways and freeways, particularly near on-ramps, off-ramps, and interchanges where a confused driver can enter traveling the wrong direction.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
Common causes include impaired driving, driver confusion at interchanges, missed or obscured signage, and driving at night with reduced visibility.
Why are wrong-way crashes so often fatal?
Because both vehicles are typically moving toward each other at highway speed, the combined impact speed is much higher than in a typical rear-end or side-impact crash, which increases the chance of serious injury or death.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Concord, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and, if it's safe, move away from traffic lanes rather than standing near damaged vehicles. Do not attempt to move someone with a possible neck or back injury unless there's an immediate danger like fire. Even if you feel fine afterward, see a doctor within a day or two, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions aren't always obvious right away. Keep records of any medical visits, and if the CHP or local police respond, ask how to obtain a copy of the incident report once it's available.
