Fatal Marin County crash victims identified

By Adam Martin, Bay City News Service

March 12, 2006

SAUSALITO(BCN) - One of the two women killed in a 28-car freeway pile-up in Sausalito early this morning was a mother of two. Consuelo Garcia, 30, and Adelle Arazela Guerrero, 26, both of Santa Rosa, died in the crash on U.S. Highway 101 near Spencer Avenue at about 2:40 a.m., according to the coroner's office. Garcia left behind two children.

In addition to the two fatal victims, five to eight people were taken to area hospitals for treatment of injuries, according to California Highway Patrol Sgt. Wayne Zeise. Another three or so people were treated for injuries at the Mill Valley firehouse no. 7.

Zeise said about 24 people were taken to the firehouse for shelter after the crash. As many as 18 to 20 of those may end up reporting injuries, he said.

The large crash closed northbound U.S. Highway 101 for almost 11 hours, the lanes re-opening at about 1:35, according to the CHP. Zeise said snow and ice on the roadway probably caused the pileup.

The driver of the Honda in which Carcia and Arazela were killed was initially arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, Zeise said, but he was later released when blood tests showed his alcohol level to be under the legal limit. He may still face manslaughter charges if it is determined that he was not driving safely.

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