Two teenage girls killed in crash off Highway 4 in Contra Costa County

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KTVU/BCN) - It happened early Sunday morning on Franklin Canyon Road near Martinez just before 3 o'clock. The California Highway Patrol says the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. "We've talked to her and she said that she fell asleep and the last thing she remembers was being at 60 mph," explained CHP Sgt. Ken Martin. "With no breaking, the car came off the road, hit a tree, and unfortunately two of her passengers have been pronounced deceased at the scene."

Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. They say all the victims were wearing seat belts. The CHP says all the teenagers were 16 or 17 years old. They are looking into whether the driver held a provisional license. If so, that would have prohibited her from driving while it's dark and from driving with teenage passengers.

All three teenagers went to College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. The school sent an email to parents saying in part, "We are saddened by this tragic event and together we will work through this difficult time." The school is offering grief counseling on Monday to students who need it.

At the scene of the crash, some have left memorial items. A cross drapes across the tree the car hit. A girl who said she was their "best friend" left a potted flower plant at the base.

The speed limit on Franklin Canyon is 45 m.p.h., but many drive faster than that. "I probably wouldn't be out driving at three in the morning," said Steven Rea, who came to see the crash scene. "But it could happen to anyone, falling asleep at the wheel. It's kind of crazy."