Alcohol and speed appear to have played roles in a car crash that left two people dead off of U.S. 101 in Menlo Park early Saturday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as Gaudi Salgado Barrios, 26, of East Palo Alto, and Taufa Toutai Pupunu, 27, of Redwood City.
The crash was reported at 1:42 a.m. on southbound U.S. 101 near the Willow Road off-ramp, the CHP said.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the car, a Toyota sedan, was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the off-ramp’s right turn, Officer Art Montiel said.
The car struck a tree, which launched it into the air and into another tree, the CHP said.
The Willow Road off-ramp was closed until about 3:30 a.m. while the CHP investigated the crash.
The preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, according to the CHP.
Investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash. Witnesses are asked to call Officer Vincent Pompliano at 650-369-6261.
By Almanac staff and Bay City News
By Almanac staff and Bay City News
By Almanac staff and Bay City News
According to this morning’s Daily Post, the police in Atherton and Menlo Park each had tried to pull this car over, but the car evaded them. Both departments decided, in separate decisions, not to do a high-speed chase to catch them. I can’t fault the police for using good judgment in not chasing people because such chases often result in innocent people getting hurt. But it’s sad that something couldn’t have been done to stop them before this accident happened.
Something could’ve been done, Ducati – they could’ve decided not to drink and drive fast. That’s the type of smart decision most of us make daily. It’s terrible, what happened. It makes sense not to chase them, but it’s one of those times when it was an “almost gotcha” that could’ve prevented this tragedy.
One day the police will be able to disable the engine of a car that is being driven irresponsibly. Until that time, these sorts of events are going to occur.
Darwin’s Law in action. Good riddance. At least they didn’t kill others.
Wow im still in shocked cant believe Gaudi is gone but sure she will never be forgotten my condolences to her family and babies this still hitting me hard and its a very sad tragedy just passed right where she crashed … Im in total shocked ucan clearly see that she tried to brake but it was too late she didnt had control of the car anymore may GAUDI & TAUFA REST IN PARADISE NOW <3