Teen killed, four hurt in suspected DUI crash in Novato

Police say speed and alcohol were factors in the solo-vehicle collision that left one dead and four others seriously injured.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:20am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car window reflecting the flashing lights of emergency vehicles, conceptually representing the devastating aftermath of a serious drunk driving collision.The grim aftermath of a suspected DUI crash in Novato exposes the human toll of drunk driving incidents.Novato Today

A 17-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol when their vehicle crashed into a utility pole in Novato, California early Saturday morning, killing one teen passenger and leaving four others with serious to critical injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers of drunk driving, especially among young drivers, and the devastating consequences it can have on local communities. It also raises questions about how to better educate and prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to police, the single-vehicle crash happened just before 1 a.m. on San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane. The driver and four passengers, all between 16 and 18 years old, were taken to the hospital, where one passenger was pronounced dead. The other four victims were described as being in serious to critical condition.

  • The crash occurred just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Novato Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the fatal crash.

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What they’re saying

“None of the teens are believed to be from the city, according to police. Their identities were not released.”

— Novato Police Department

What’s next

Authorities have closed roads in the area as they continue to investigate the crash, and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the police traffic unit.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of drunk driving, especially among young drivers, and the urgent need for greater education and prevention efforts to keep our roads safe.