Folsom's Rainbow bridge reopen after fatal crash investigation

Folsom Police have reopened Rainbow Bridge for thru traffic following a lengthy accident investigation in which one fatality was confirmed earlier today. Earlier today, the driver of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was declared dead on arrival after crashing off the roadway just before entry to the bridge on the Historic Folsom side of Lake Natoma. According to police, the vehicle traveled 100 feet down the steep embankment that borders the lower portion of the Historic Folsom Powerhouse Museum parking lot. The vehicle was not visible from the bridge or roadway and is embedded in deep brush that covers the rocky terrain below the western side of the bridge. The vehicle was spotted by a hiker. Units responded to the incident at 9:43 a.m., as Folsom Fire Department's Engine 36, Truck 35 and multiple medic units were dispatched with police following the initial 911 call. According to Folsom Police Public Information Officer Andrew Graham, the driver was the solo occupant of the vehicle and was deceased upon arrival. While the investigation is underway, Graham reported it appears the accident happened sometime in the overnight or early morning hours. "When the initial call came in, it was thought that the incident just happened," said Graham. "But it appears it occurred sometime overnight." Earlier today, there was very little in the way of skid marks or any additional evidence to determine the cause of the accident. Folsom Police and the department's major traffic collision investigation team spent several hours performing the investigation. According to Graham, the location of the vehicle made it difficult to capture imagery and measurements for their investigation, which took additional time. Investigators were using drone technology to capture imagery for the investigation help determine the cause. No further information has been released on the incident pending notification of the victim's family.