San Mateo, CA (January 20, 2026) – Mary Esther Hurtado Durán, 54, was killed on the San Mateo Bridge on Tuesday, January 20, in a crash caused by a distracted driver.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a crash occurred on the San Mateo Bridge on Tuesday around 2:50 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia sedan, driven by Hurtado Durán, stalled in the middle of the three-lane bridge. A Ford van struck the Kia from behind.
The CHP investigators reported that the crash happened when the driver of the Ford van became distracted by his cell phone and looked away from the road. When the van driver returned his attention to the roadway, he observed the stalled Kia ahead of him and could not avoid crashing into it.
Hurtado Durán, the Kia driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the Ford van was taken to the hospital with major injuries.
Investigation: The CHP is continuing to investigate the crash on the San Mateo Bridge that killed Mary Esther Hurtado Durán. Based on the preliminary findings, investigators will likely confirm how long the Kia was stalled in the roadway, whether hazard lights or other warnings were visible, and the traffic conditions leading up to the rear-end collision.
The CHP will also likely review cellphone-related evidence, witness statements, and physical roadway evidence to support the conclusion that driver distraction contributed to the impact. Investigators will also document the extent of injuries and vehicle damage and complete a full reconstruction to establish a clear timeline.
Legal Considerations: Rear-end crashes often raise significant liability concerns, especially when a driver admits to, or evidence shows, that they were distracted.
If the investigation confirms the Ford van driver was using or looking at a cellphone and failed to react in time, the driver may be held civilly responsible for the fatal injuries and resulting damages.
Hurtado Durán’s surviving family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and care caused by this tragedy.
The van passenger who suffered major injuries may also have a personal injury claim for medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mary Esther Hurtado Durán, and hope the injured van passenger makes a full recovery.
Source: KTVU Fox 2