6 Dead, 2 Others Left with ‘Major’ Injuries in Suspected DUI Crash

Six people have died and two others have been injured after a suspected DUI crash in California.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, a single vehicle crashed into a tree in Napa County, according to ABC7, KTVU and SFGate.

Authorities were first alerted before 6 p.m. at 6198 Pope Valley Road, northeast of Calistoga, per ABC7 and SFGate.

Officials from the California Highway Patrol told the outlets that a Toyota Sienna minivan, which had many occupants, was found at around 5:50 p.m. The vehicle had been traveling southbound on Pope Valley Road before it left the highway for reasons unknown and hit the tree.

While six people were pronounced deceased at the scene, the driver and another passenger were airlifted to the hospital, ABC7 has noted that they sustained “major” injuries and are receiving treatment, citing California Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Barclay.

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The driver was subsequently arrested in the hospital on suspicion of DUI causing injury/death.

The passengers who died have not been identified by authorities, according to KTVU which notes that the driver is male.

The crash occurred in the unincorporated community of Pope Valley, about 12 miles north of St. Helena. The site of the accident is near to Pope Valley Union Elementary School and Calla Lily Estate and Winery, per NBC News.

Pope Valley Road remains closed as an investigation takes place, the CHP notes, per multiple outlets.

California Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the incident.