Two people died, others injured following a multiple car collision Friday night in North Sacramento, California Highway Patrol officials said.
The incident happened just before 9 p.m. on WB I-80 near Madison when a tow truck hauling another car slammed into the back of a stalled Hyundai with its taillights turned off. A passing Toyota was struck by both the Hyundai and tow truck.
After officers arrived on scene, the driver of a Dodge Ram stopped in the No. 1 lane with his hazard lights on to protect officers from oncoming traffic, CHP said. Moments later, the driver of a van crashed into the back of the Dodge Ram.
According to CHP, a the driver of a Camaro hit the pickup truck and burst into flames. Sacramento Metro Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames.
The female driver and one passenger of the Hyundai were pronounced dead at the scene. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office later identified the driver as 62-year-old Bennie Ruth Harriel, The passenger's identity has not been released.
The other passenger of the Hyundai and the driver of the van were both rushed to the hospital with major injuries. The driver of the Toyota suffered moderate injuries.
#CHP is working a double fatal, multiple vehicle crash W/B I-80 west of Madison. Left 3 lanes closed. Use caution.
— CHP North Sac (@CHPNSac) September 23, 2017