Off-duty Alameda Co. deputy killed in I-580 crash ID'd
ALTAMONT PASS, Calif. (KTVU) - An off-duty Alameda County Sheriff's deputy who was killed Friday morning during a crash on Interstate 580 near Livermore has been identified as Sroeuy Khin.
The crash occurred on I-580 eastbound at the Altamont Pass just east of Livermore around 7 a.m. Khin, who was set to turn 51 on May 12, died at the scene.
Authorities said Khin was driving home in a Volkswagen Beetle after working at the Santa Rita Jail. His car apparently stopped in the eastbound lanes before his vehicle was struck by the tour bus.
The bus driver indicated that the sun was in his eyes when he ran into the back of the Volkswagen, said CHP spokesman Officer Derek Reed.
Investigators said the tour bus was transporting Tesla workers while Khin was the sole occupant of the Volkswagen. During an afternoon press conference, authorities said Khin was married and the father of four children. He was described as a "hardworking and dedicated employee."
Alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in this crash, according to authorities. It was not immediately clear if the bus driver would be cited in connection with the incident.
The bus was a contracted vehicle that was carrying 55 Tesla employees to Stockton when the accident occurred, authorities said. At least one passenger was treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, Reed said.
Tesla released the following statement: "We are aware of an accident this morning involving an independently-operated shuttle carrying Tesla employees and another vehicle. All Tesla employees on the bus are safe and accounted for, however we are deeply saddened by reports that there was a fatality as a result of the accident. We will lend any support that we can to the authorities who are investigating the incident."
Rescue workers closed three eastbound lanes of the interstate while police investigated the crash.
The closures prompted massive traffic delays in the area while officers investigated the accident. The lane closures stretched for up to seven hours causing bumper-to-bumper gridlock for motorists trapped on the freeway.
The official Twitter account of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department posted a photo of Khin this afternoon along with a brief message.
"In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Sroeuy Khin who died today in a tragic vehicle accident," the Twitter message says. "Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."
Bay City News contributed to this report.