A flat tire was likely the cause of a fatal crash on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge early Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Units responded to reports of a crash involving a 2000 Honda and a 1999 Range Rover in the westbound lanes of the bridge at about 3:30 a.m., according to the CHP.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Honda had turned on the vehicle's hazard lights and slowed down in the right lane after getting a flat tire, CHP Officer Art Montiel said.

The Range Rover traveling in the same lane failed to slow down and crashed into the Honda from behind, Montiel said.

A 24-year-old Hayward woman who was in the back seat of the Honda was critically injured in the crash, Montiel said.

Arriving officers and paramedics were unable to revive the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The diver of the Honda suffered minor facial cuts and the driver of the Range Rover was not injured, Montiel said.

Drugs or alcohol were not believed to be a factor in the crash, he said.

Anyone who might have witnessed the incident is asked to contact CHP Officer Aquino at (650) 369-6261.