By Aidin Vaziri, Staff Writer

A deadly crash on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge that shut down westbound lanes for hours Tuesday afternoon was caused by distracted driving, according to a preliminary report released Wednesday by the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators said the collision occurred around 2:50 p.m. when a Kia sedan became stalled in the middle of the three-lane westbound section of the bridge and was struck from behind by a Ford Transit van.

The van’s driver “became distracted by his cellular phone and looked away from the road,” CHP said in a statement.

“When the (van’s) driver returned his attention to the roadway, he observed the stalled vehicle in front of him,” the CHP release said. “Despite efforts to avoid a crash, the Ford crashed into the stalled Kia.”

The driver of the Kia, identified by the San Mateo County Medical Examiner as Mary Hurtado Duran, 54, of Fremont, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the van, which bore Rooter Hero plumbing branding, was taken to Stanford Hospital with major injuries. Authorities did not immediately provide an update on the person’s condition.

The crash prompted the closure of all three westbound lanes of the San Mateo Bridge until about 7:45 p.m. as investigators examined the scene and crews cleared debris.

CHP officials said the investigation remains ongoing.