Hercules, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a fatal single-vehicle crash was reported on westbound State Route 4 at the Franklin Canyon off-ramp, according to CHP Fatal.
California Highway Patrol records indicate the incident was first reported at approximately 9:50 PM, when a truck traveled off the roadway and onto the shoulder. Moments later, the vehicle struck a guardrail along the off-ramp.
Emergency responders, including fire department personnel, were dispatched to the scene as part of standard traffic collision response procedures. CHP subsequently upgraded the incident, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office was notified to initiate coroner response protocols.
Due to the severity of the crash, evidence tow procedures were requested, and a rotation tow service was dispatched to remove the vehicle. CHP coordinated with the Department of Transportation and the Golden Gate Communications Center as part of scene management and roadway safety operations.
The vehicle was later transported to a tow yard, where CHP units confirmed arrival as part of the investigation process. No additional details regarding the victim’s identity or the circumstances leading up to the crash have been released.
The collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, and no contributing factors have been officially identified at this time.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
