Napa County, CA – In the early evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, a single-vehicle crash left six people dead and the driver, Norberto Celerino, 53, and one other person with major injuries, according to Bay City News, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 5:50 PM near the 6100 block of Pope Valley Road, northeast of Calistoga.
Authorities said Celerino drove a Toyota Sienna minivan that veered off the roadway and struck a tree with catastrophic force. Investigators said alcohol or drugs may have played a role, and they arrested Celerino on suspicion of DUI.
The crash killed six passengers inside the minivan. Officials have not released their names pending identification and family notification. Emergency crews worked to extract trapped victims from the wreckage, and firefighters from St. Helena assisted at the scene.
The collision left both Celerino and one surviving passenger with major injuries. Medical helicopters transported them to trauma centers for treatment. Authorities said both remained hospitalized on Monday, though their exact conditions were not disclosed.
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office closed the area around the scene for more than eight hours to allow investigators to document evidence and clear the roadway. Officials confirmed the closure ended at 2:20 AM on Monday.
Law enforcement also discovered that Celerino had active warrants in multiple counties, including no-bail warrants out of Lake County. Records showed probation conditions and prior charges in San Joaquin County.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the full circumstances leading up to the crash.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to navigate these emotional complexities.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
