SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 18, 2025) — A fatal chain-reaction crash on Highway 101 in South San Francisco early Saturday morning left one pedestrian dead and led to the arrest of a driver suspected of DUI, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Accident Details: At approximately 3:00 a.m., CHP received reports of a collision on the northbound side of Highway 101, just north of the Grand Avenue exit. A preliminary investigation indicates that a Hyundai sedan traveling in the second lane struck a pedestrian who had entered the roadway. The driver of the Hyundai then maneuvered into the fourth lane and exited the vehicle after calling 911 to report the incident.
Moments later, a red Kia Soul collided with the stationary Hyundai in the fourth lane. The impact caused the Kia to roll over. Emergency responders arrived and confirmed the pedestrian had died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the pedestrian pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Kia was evaluated at the scene and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine how the pedestrian came to be in the roadway and whether additional contributing factors played a role.
Authorities are also working to reconstruct the events between the initial pedestrian strike and the secondary collision involving the Kia. Toxicology reports and accident scene analyses will help determine whether further charges are warranted.
CHP has asked anyone with information or dash cam footage from the area near Grand Avenue around the time of the crash to contact their local office.
Legal Considerations: Fatal freeway collisions involving pedestrians can raise complex legal questions, especially when multiple vehicles and suspected DUI are involved. In this case, the driver of the Kia could face criminal and civil liability if intoxication played a role in the crash.
Surviving family members of the pedestrian may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims, depending on the circumstances that led to the pedestrian’s presence on the highway and the actions of the involved drivers. Additionally, civil claims for property damage or personal injuries may also arise depending on investigative findings.
We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and acknowledge the impact this traumatic event may have on all individuals involved.
Source: NBC Bay Area