Passenger in car driven by suspected drunk driver killed in Elk Grove accident

The passenger of a suspected drunk driver was killed in an evening accident on Elk Grove's far north side.

According to the South Sacramento California Highway Patrol field office, a 43-year old Elk Grove woman was operating her Toyota SUV westbound on Calvine Road approaching the intersection with Bader Road on a green-phased traffic signal. Steven Bhardwaj, a 33-year old male from Plymouth, was driving a Honda Accord northbound on Bader Road approaching a red-phased traffic signal at an unknown speed when he reportedly ran the red light when the Toyota collided with the right front passenger door of the Honda. 

After colliding, the vehicles veered towards the northwest corner of the intersection where the Honda struck a pedestrian signal and the victim and her 3 passengers in the Toyota were uninjured. There were two passengers in the Honda, a 35 years old male from Sutter Creek was seated in the right front seat, and a 51 years old male was seated in the rear seat. 

Emergency personnel began CPR on the right front passenger of the Honda. Bhardwaj was pinned in the driver’s seat with moderate injuries and was transported to by ambulance to a local hospital. 

Both of Bhardwaj's passengers in the Honda suffered major injuries and were transported to local hospitals by ambulance. After arriving at the hospital, the right front passenger of the Honda succumbed to his injuries. 

Officers contacted Bhardwaj at the hospital and observed signs of impairment. It was determined that Bhardwaj was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. 

Bhardwaj is held on drunk driving and murder charges and ineligible for bail. Arraignment is on Wednesday, November 13.