SAN MATEO, Calif. — New details have emerged following a deadly crash on the San Mateo Bridge that claimed the life of a 54-year-old woman and caused hours of traffic delays. Authorities say the collision happened Tuesday afternoon and involved a stalled car and a distracted driver, ending in a tragic loss that has deeply impacted the community.

The San Mateo County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Mary Hurtado Duran, 54. Officials said Duran was inside her Kia sedan, which had stalled in the westbound lanes of the bridge, when it was struck by a Ford Transit van. Firefighters responded to the scene but pronounced Duran dead due to severe injuries from the crash.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers were alerted to the crash just before 3 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators said the driver of the Ford van was traveling at an unknown speed when he became distracted by his cellphone and took his eyes off the road for a brief moment.

CHP said when the driver looked back up, he saw the stalled Kia directly in front of him. Despite attempting to stop or move out of the way, authorities said the driver could not avoid the collision. The van slammed into the rear of Duran’s vehicle, causing extensive damage and leaving no chance for her survival.

Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene. While Duran was pronounced dead at the location, the driver of the Ford van was seriously injured. He was transported to Stanford Hospital with what officials described as major injuries. CHP has not released an update on his condition as of Wednesday.

The crash caused major traffic problems on the San Mateo Bridge. All westbound lanes were shut down for several hours while investigators examined the scene and crews cleared wreckage from the roadway. Traffic was not fully reopened until just before 8 p.m., creating long delays during the evening commute.

CHP said the investigation remains ongoing and is urging drivers to remain focused behind the wheel. Authorities emphasized that distracted driving, even for a few seconds, can have deadly consequences. As the investigation continues, Mary Hurtado Duran’s death serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment of inattention.