Authorities suspect road rage led to a wreck that killed an El Sobrante man and brought the Wednesday morning commute to a standstill on Interstate 80, the California Highway Patrol said.

Ronald Zerangue, 63, died when his brown 1989 Ford van rolled over multiple times near Carlson Boulevard. Zerangue's van and a white 2000 GMC pickup were westbound about 5:40 a.m. when "a road-rage incident" developed between the two vehicles, Officer Sam Morgan said.

Morgan said the driver of the van may have tried to "brake check" the pickup -- an act involving tapping one's brakes enough to activate the brake light, typically prompting the trailing vehicle to slow down -- and at some point the two vehicles collided.

The van's driver lost control and his vehicle rolled over multiple times, scattering debris and landing in the middle of the freeway, Morgan said. He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The male driver and female passenger of the pickup were not seriously injured and did not require hospitalization.

Morgan said no arrests or citations have been made and that the crash is under investigation.

There were no signs of intoxication or impairment for the motorists involved in the wreck.

Three lanes were closed at the peak of the road blockage and traffic backed up as far as Pinole. The roadway was cleared by 8 a.m.