Driver dies, multiple lanes closed after van hits tree and catches fire near Gold River

A driver was killed after crashing into a tree and sparking a fire Saturday afternoon near Gold River, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

In a social media update, Metro Fire said personnel were at the scene of a single-vehicle crash near Sunrise Boulevard and Gold Country Road as of 1:30 p.m.

A driver behind the wheel of a passenger van had struck a tree, setting the vehicle on fire in the process.

The driver — the only occupant of the van — was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle fire was extinguished as of 1:45 p.m.

Metro Fire officials said the Rancho Cordova Police Department will be investigating the crash.

Police officials said two of the three northbound lanes of Sunrise were closed in the area due to the crash.

“We anticipate the lanes to be closed for an extended period,” police officials said in a social media update. “Please use alternate routes.”