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Sacramento, CA (August 28, 2026) – One man died, and three others were injured after a van struck a tree on Wednesday afternoon in Sacramento’s Arden-Arcade area.
The accident happened before 4 p.m. on August 26, in the 3000 block of Auburn Blvd. The van was traveling eastbound on Auburn Blvd, west of Morse Ave, when it left the roadway and struck a tree.
Three adults and a 6-month-old baby were inside the van. All four passengers were trapped and had to be removed from the vehicle.
The man who died was in his 30s and was pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday. A woman in her 30s had moderate injuries, while the baby had minor injuries. The driver, a man in his 40s, complained of pain, and all three were taken to a hospital.
The California Highway Patrol said the driver may have fallen asleep before the collision. The relationships between the people involved were not disclosed.
The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain under investigation. Our thoughts are with those who were hurt and the family of the man who died.
How Can Driver Fatigue Contribute to Serious Roadway Crashes?
Driver fatigue can reduce alertness, slow reaction times, and make it harder to maintain control of a vehicle. Falling asleep while driving can happen suddenly, leaving little opportunity to avoid a hazard.
Long periods behind the wheel, inadequate sleep, overnight travel, and certain medications can increase drowsiness. Warning signs may include frequent yawning, difficulty keeping the eyes open, drifting from a lane, or trouble remembering recent miles.
Drivers who notice these signs should stop in a safe place and rest before continuing. Sharing driving duties, taking regular breaks, and getting enough sleep before a trip can also help reduce fatigue-related risks.
