Napa County Crash Leaves Six Dead, Two Injured; Driver Suspected of DUI
NAPA COUNTY, Calif. — A horrific crash in northern California has claimed six lives and left two others seriously injured after a suspected drunk driver lost control of a vehicle in Napa County on Sunday evening.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 5:50 p.m. near 6198 Pope Valley Road, a rural stretch known for its winding curves and limited visibility. When Napa County Sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers arrived, they discovered a Toyota Sienna minivan off the roadway, mangled after colliding with a tree.
Six Victims Pronounced Dead
Authorities confirmed that six passengers inside the minivan died at the scene, unable to be saved despite the rapid arrival of emergency crews. Their names have not yet been released, pending notification of family members. The loss of life makes this one of the deadliest crashes in recent memory for Napa County.
Driver Identified
On Monday, officials identified the driver as 53-year-old Norberto Celerino of Stockton. Investigators believe Celerino was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Both Celerino and another passenger were airlifted to a nearby hospital with major injuries. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
Road Closures and Investigation
Pope Valley Road was closed for several hours following the crash as investigators worked to piece together the sequence of events. The road has since reopened, but law enforcement continues to gather evidence, including toxicology results, to determine the full extent of alcohol’s role in the collision.
Community Impact
The tragedy has shaken the Napa County community, where news of the fatalities spread quickly. Residents of Pope Valley, a tight-knit area surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, described the crash as “unimaginable” and “heartbreaking.”
Local officials expressed grief and emphasized the devastating consequences of impaired driving. “Six lives were cut short in an instant,” one CHP spokesperson said. “This is a stark reminder of why driving under the influence is so dangerous and unacceptable.”
Ongoing Case
Celerino could face multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI causing injury and death. Formal charges are expected once investigators complete their findings and prosecutors review the case.
A Somber Reminder
The collision serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, particularly on rural roads where response times may be longer and roadway conditions more hazardous. Napa County officials are urging residents and visitors alike to plan ahead, designate sober drivers, and make safe transportation choices.
As families mourn the sudden and profound loss of six lives, the investigation into Sunday’s crash continues. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the Toyota Sienna prior to the collision to contact CHP’s Napa office.