A tragic early morning crash in Novato has left one teenager dead and four others seriously injured, according to authorities.
Officers with the Novato Police Department responded to reports of a collision around 1 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane. Multiple callers alerted police to the crash, which involved a single vehicle.
According to investigators, all five occupants inside the vehicle were teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 and were not residents of Novato.
Emergency responders transported all individuals to a nearby hospital. Sadly, one teen later died from their injuries. The remaining four occupants were reported to be in critical to serious condition as of Saturday morning.
Authorities say the 17-year-old driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. The exact circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.
As officers processed the scene, eastbound lanes of San Marin Drive were closed at Estado Way for several hours, causing temporary traffic disruptions in the area.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Novato Police Department as the investigation continues.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and its devastating consequences, particularly among young drivers.
About the Author
