Daniel Alejandro Oliva Morales Obituary, Death – A fatal multi-vehicle crash occurred early Thursday morning at the I-80/I-580 split in Albany, California, near Buchanan Street. The incident, which took place around 3:45 a.m., involved a big rig, a Toyota, and a Hyundai.
According to KTVU, the Hyundai went over the edge of the freeway overpass during the crash and landed upside down on Buchanan Street below. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing DoorDash delivery bags scattered near the wrecked vehicle, indicating the driver may have been working for the food delivery service at the time of the incident.
Initial accounts suggested that the Hyundai and the big rig collided, although precise details on how the crash unfolded have not been confirmed. The extent of involvement from the Toyota was also not fully detailed in the early reports.
Authorities confirmed that the Hyundai driver, identified as 40-year-old Daniel Alejandro Oliva Morales from Oakland, died in the crash. Morales was the only fatality reported from the incident.
Following the crash, eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 were completely closed, causing major disruptions to morning commuters. Eastbound I-580 traffic was also affected as emergency personnel responded and began their investigation. Traffic remained backed up for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and assess the scene.
Law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, are investigating the crash. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the specific cause of the crash, whether any other injuries occurred, or if any charges may result from the collision.
The tragic accident has drawn attention due to the dramatic nature of the crash and the apparent involvement of a food delivery worker. The sight of delivery bags around the wreckage offered a somber reminder of the dangers that can come with working on the road at all hours.
Officials have not indicated whether weather, speed, driver fatigue, or other factors played a role in the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities analyze evidence and interview witnesses.
Meanwhile, community members expressed their condolences for the victim. No statements from DoorDash or the victim’s family had been released as of Thursday evening.
The fatal crash also reignited safety concerns about high-speed areas near freeway interchanges, particularly the I-80/I-580 split, which has seen multiple accidents in past years. Officials may consider reviewing traffic safety measures in the area following this latest tragedy.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol as the investigation continues.