Sunday evening in Napa County took a heartbreaking turn when a Toyota Sienna minivan veered off Pope Valley Road and crashed into a tree, killing six occupants and leaving two others—one of them the driver—with serious injuries.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. near Pope Valley Road, about a mile south of Pope Valley Winery in a rural area lined with vineyards and oak trees. Of the eight people inside the vehicle, six died at the scene. The driver and another passenger, both gravely injured, were airlifted to local hospitals.
Authorities later arrested the driver at the hospital on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI)—specifically, DUI causing injury or death. The identities of the victims have yet to be released, and investigators have not provided further statements at this time.
The crash remains under investigation, and Pope Valley Road is closed between Howell Mountain and Ink Grade roads while CHP personnel continue their work at the site.
