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Law enforcement personnel secure the scene of fatal accident near 6120 Pope Valley Rd in Pope Valley Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
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Law enforcement personnel secure the scene of fatal accident near 6120 Pope Valley Rd in Pope Valley Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Six people were killed and two others injured Sunday night near Pope Valley when a minivan veered off the road and slammed into a tree, authorities said.
The driver, later arrested on suspicion of DUI and homicide, was among the survivors, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol and Napa County Sheriff’s deputies responded about 5:50 p.m. to the single-vehicle crash off Pope Valley Road near Howell Mountain Road. Investigators said the Toyota Sienna had been heading south when it left the road for unknown reasons.
Six passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The Napa County Coroner’s Office will release their names once families are notified.
The driver, Norberto Celerino Villalva, 53, of Stockton, and another passenger suffered major injuries and were flown to trauma centers. Both remained hospitalized as of Monday morning, CHP-Golden Gate Sgt. Andrew Barclay said, and Celerino will be booked into the Napa County jail once he is released.
Pope Valley Road was shut down for hours as crews investigated the crash.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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