Available 
OAKLAND, Alameda County, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 — One person died on Sunday afternoon, October 18, in a two-vehicle crash on westbound Highway 24 in Oakland, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver of the other vehicle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The CHP said a Toyota Camry and a Honda sedan collided on westbound Highway 24 where the highway transitions into I-980, east of the 27th Street off-ramp. The Honda's driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Toyota's driver reportedly suffered only minor injuries and was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI, according to the CHP. No other injuries were reported.
The crash shut down three westbound lanes of I-980 for several hours, backing up traffic through the corridor. The CHP has not released further details on what led up to the collision, and the investigation is ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Local Crash Information for Oakland, CA
The fatal crash was reported on Highway 24 in Oakland. For more crash news from the area, see our Alameda County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the safest way to avoid driving after drinking?
Plan ahead before you start drinking. Arrange a sober driver, a rideshare, or public transit in advance so you're not making the decision after you've already had a few.
What should I do if I think a nearby driver is impaired?
Keep a safe distance, avoid pulling alongside them, and call 911 with the location, direction of travel, and license plate if you can safely note it. Let law enforcement make contact.
Why do crashes involving an impaired driver tend to be so severe?
Alcohol and other impairing substances slow reaction time and affect judgment, so drivers often fail to brake or steer away before impact. That means collisions tend to occur at higher speeds and with less opportunity for avoidance, resulting in more serious injuries.
Does impairment only come from alcohol?
No. Prescription medications, some over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can all slow reaction time or affect judgment behind the wheel. Any of these can lead to a DUI arrest if they impair driving ability.
What to Do After a DUI Crash in Oakland, CA
If you're involved in a crash you believe involved an impaired driver, call 911 right away and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Get checked out by a medical professional even if you feel fine; some injuries, especially to the head or neck, don't show symptoms right away. Write down what you remember as soon as you can, including any details about the other driver's behavior, and get the responding agency's report number for your records. If you witness a crash like this, your account of what you saw can matter later, so stay available to speak with officers on scene if asked.
