Deadly San Mateo-Hayward Bridge limousine fire due to mechanical problems: CHP

Prosecutors, coroner's officials and the California Highway Patrol presented on August 19 the results of their investigation of a limousine fire that killed five women in San Francisco.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — A mechanical problem ignited a limousine fire that killed five nurses trapped in the back, the California Highway Patrol said Monday as it released results of its investigation and 911 calls filled with screams from those inside.

The blaze broke out on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge on May 4 because of a catastrophic failure of the rear suspension system, CHP Capt. Mike Maskarich said. The air suspension failure allowed the spinning driveshaft to contact the floor pan, causing friction that ignited carpets and set the vehicle on fire, authorities said.

No charges will be filed, prosecutors said.

“Some tragedies are crimes and some are not, and this one is not,” San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said at a joint news conference with the CHP.

The Public Utilities Commission is fining the limo operator $1,500 for having more passengers than allowed.