Bay Bridge crash claims 3 lives

SAN FRANCISCO - Three people in a red Mini Cooper died Thursday morning after being struck by the driver of a Toyota Tacoma on the lower deck of the Bay Bridge, officials said.

The Mini Cooper had stopped, or possibly broken down, in the No. 4 lane on the bridge, when the driver of the Tacoma slammed into it about 4:15 a.m., San Francisco Fire Lt. Mariano Elias said.

Firefighters extricated the people inside the Mini Cooper but the driver and the rear passenger died at the scene, Elias said. 

A passenger in the Mini Cooper who had major injuries died later, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver of the Tacoma was also hospitalized with major injuries, officials said. 

A Sig-Alert was issued for eastbound Interstate 80 west of Treasure Island.

Traffic was only affecting drivers heading into Oakland.

The CHP cleared the scene shortly after 6 a.m. 

CHP Officer Mark Andrews told KTVU that it's very difficult to know what to do if your car breaks down.

He said the driver should try to figure out if they can safely exit the car and get to the shoulder. But if you can't exit safely, he said to stay in your car, keep your seatbelt on and call 911 immediately.

KTVU reporter Henry Lee contributed to this report.