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CONCORD, Contra Costa County, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 — Two people died early Monday morning, October 19, when a suspected drunk driver going the wrong way on Interstate 680 struck another vehicle head-on, according to the California Highway Patrol. A third person in that vehicle and the driver of a separate car involved in the crash suffered major injuries, the CHP said.
The crash happened around 1:50 a.m. on northbound I-680 just south of the Willow Pass Road exit. CHP Officer Dan Gilmore said troopers had received a report of a Lexus sedan traveling south in the northbound lanes less than a minute before the collision was reported.
The Lexus hit a Chevrolet, according to the CHP. Two rear passengers in the Lexus, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lexus driver and a front-seat passenger, a man and a woman, were taken by ambulance to a hospital with major injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet was also hospitalized with major injuries.
Troopers closed all five northbound lanes of I-680 at about 1:55 a.m. and rerouted traffic onto state Highway 242 while they worked the scene. The roadway reopened around 6:25 a.m., after a closure of about four and a half hours.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who died.
Local Crash Information for Concord, CA
The fatal crash was reported on Interstate 680 in Concord. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Contra Costa County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to stop wrong-way drivers from entering?
Many freeways use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective arrows aimed at oncoming traffic, and some ramps have sensors that alert highway patrol dispatchers when a vehicle enters against traffic flow.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a factor in a large share of wrong-way crashes nationally, since intoxicated drivers are more likely to miss signage or misjudge an on-ramp in the dark.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain types of roads?
They tend to happen more often on freeways with closely spaced interchanges and at night, when visibility is low and fewer other drivers are present to flag the danger.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Concord, CA
Anyone involved in or affected by a wrong-way collision should seek medical evaluation right away, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious, since the body can mask pain after a high-speed impact. Get a copy of the official CHP report once it's available, and photograph any vehicle damage or scene details if it's safe to do so. Reach out to your insurance company promptly, and keep records of any medical visits, lost work time, or related expenses. Lean on family or local support resources in Concord while you recover; dealing with the aftermath of a crash like this takes time, and there's no need to navigate it alone.
