In a devastating incident on the early morning of December 17th, a five-year-old child lost their life in a solo vehicle traffic crash on westbound Highway 4 near Morello Avenue, as announced by the California Highway Patrol of Contra Costa.

According to the preliminary investigation conducted by authorities, the tragic accident occurred when a grey Honda CR-V, occupied by one adult driver and two children, was traveling westbound on Highway 4. Tragically, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veering off the roadway and colliding with a tree.

The consequences of the crash were severe, resulting in moderate injuries for the driver and major, life-threatening injuries for an 11-year-old passenger. Both injured individuals were promptly transported to the hospital for urgent medical care. Tragically, the five-year-old passenger succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Upon conducting an on-scene investigation, the California Highway Patrol's findings revealed that the five-year-old was not properly restrained in the child seat, highlighting the importance of adhering to proper safety protocols while traveling.

In the wake of this devastating incident, officers proceeded to conduct a DUI investigation at the hospital. As a result, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter, underscoring the potential role of intoxication in this tragic event.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to shed light on the root causes and any contributing factors that may have led to this heartbreaking outcome.

The loss of a young life as a result of this solo vehicle crash has sent shockwaves through the community, reminding us all of the importance of practicing responsible driving habits, ensuring proper restraint for children, and abstaining from driving under the influence.

As this investigation continues, the California Highway Patrol and local authorities hope to gain a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the crash, in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.