SAN MATEO, Calif — A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned into a heartbreaking scene on the San Mateo‑Hayward Bridge when a stalled car in the westbound lanes was struck from behind, killing 54‑year‑old Mary Hurtado Duran and leaving another person seriously injured. The crash has become a stark reminder of how just a few seconds of distraction can cost a life.
The California Highway Patrol says the accident happened shortly before 3 p.m. on Tuesday as Duran’s Kia sedan sat stalled in the middle of the three‑lane westbound section of State Route 92. A Ford Transit van, driven by a man who investigators say was momentarily distracted by his cell phone, failed to notice the stopped vehicle in time.
When the van driver looked back up at the road, it was already too late. Despite trying to brake and steer out of the way, he slammed into the rear of Duran’s car. The impact was severe, and firefighters pronounced Duran dead at the scene. There was no chance to save her.
A passenger in the van suffered major injuries and was rushed to Stanford Hospital, authorities said. The van carried Rooter Hero plumbing branding, and the CHP confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to be factors in the crash.
The collision shut down all westbound lanes of the bridge for hours, snarling evening traffic as crews worked to clear wreckage and investigators combed the scene. The lanes didn’t fully reopen until around 7:45 p.m., forcing drivers to find other routes and creating long delays.
Officials have called the crash “tragic” and urged drivers to put away distractions like phones before getting behind the wheel. The CHP says its investigation is still ongoing, and any decisions about possible charges will come when the full report is complete.
Friends and family have described Duran as a beloved member of her community, someone who cared deeply for her loved ones. Her sudden death has left many in San Mateo shaken, highlighting how fragile life can be in an instant of inattention.
