PLACER COUNTY, CA — A tragic I-80 crash near Highway 174 in Colfax, Placer County, claimed the life of a minor passenger and left three others seriously injured Thursday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The single-vehicle crash forced the complete closure of westbound I-80 for several hours. Authorities diverted traffic through Colfax, reconnecting drivers onto I-80 at Placer Hills Road. The freeway reopened around 4:00 p.m.
CHP reported that the driver and two additional passengers suffered major injuries. Officers also noted that rain earlier in the day left the roadway wet and slick, which may have contributed to the collision.
This I-80 accident in Placer County serves as a reminder of the importance of driving cautiously in adverse weather conditions.
