Fiery Crash Kills Driver, Injures 2 Passengers On CA-116

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Mercedes crashed into a rock and a tree before catching fire west of Guerneville early this morning, killing the driver and seriously injuring two passengers, the California Highway Patrol said.

Santa Rosa CHP officers responded around 12:17 a.m. to a report of a vehicle on fire following a crash on westbound State Route 116 at Redwood Drive.

Investigators determined that the Mercedes was traveling west at a high speed when the driver lost control, according to CHP.

Investigators are still trying to determine how fast the vehicle was going when it left the road, struck a rock and a tree, sustained major damage, and then caught fire.

Firefighters extinguished the flames. The driver was found dead inside the vehicle.

Two adult male passengers suffered major injuries but managed to get out of the Mercedes. They were transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital to be treated.

The CHP continues to investigate the cause, including whether alcohol contributed to the crash.

Anyone with information should contact the Santa Rosa CHP Area office at (707) 806-5600. Questions about the deceased should be directed to the Sonoma County Sheriff Coroner’s Office.