A solo vehicle traffic collision occurred today on Interstate 580 West at the Benedict Drive off-ramp in San Leandro, CA, leading to minor injuries and significant traffic disruptions. The incident was reported at approximately 3:59 PM, prompting an immediate response from the California Highway Patrol.
At 4:02 PM, the driver attempted to flee the scene but was quickly taken into custody by law enforcement. Authorities requested the closure of both the off-ramp and Benedict Drive to ensure safety and facilitate emergency operations.
By 4:26 PM, the incident was reclassified to indicate minor injuries, although specific details regarding the injuries were not provided. The vehicle involved sustained major front-end damage and became entangled with the guardrail, necessitating the arrival of a tow truck at 4:57 PM to remove it from the scene.
Caltrans processed an emergency closure of the Benedict Drive off-ramp at 5:39 PM, which was expected to remain closed until 9:30 PM. This closure was necessary to address the damage caused by the collision, which included a damaged guardrail and several signs that were sheared at the base in the island of the off-ramp.
The scene was cleared by 5:46 PM, allowing traffic to resume normal flow. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes during the closure to avoid delays. The California Highway Patrol and tow services worked diligently to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
This incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the potential consequences of reckless behavior on the road. Authorities encourage all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.