Contra Costa County, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, a single-vehicle crash resulted in a fatality after a vehicle struck a light pole, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:22 PM at Camino Diablo and Vasco Road.
Preliminary dispatch records indicate the vehicle was found on the right-hand shoulder against a light pole. The vehicle was reported to be smoking, and at least one party remained inside. An automated iPhone crash notification was also received, alerting authorities to the collision.
Fire personnel were dispatched to the scene in response to reports of smoke coming from the vehicle. The light pole was noted to be intact following the impact. Law enforcement units arrived shortly after dispatch and coordinated with fire crews and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office as part of standard fatal collision protocol.
Media personnel were notified, and towing services were contacted to assist with vehicle removal. County roads officials were later advised regarding pole number 22210 at the southeast corner of Vasco Road and Camino Diablo to conduct an integrity assessment of the infrastructure.
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. The circumstances leading up to the crash remain under active investigation as officers work to determine contributing factors and review all available evidence.
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 through a Wrongful Death Claim.
