This sounds like a BUS communication problem. There are up to eight modules on this car communicating on two wires, when the bus wires become shorted or disconnected you will get the zombie display on the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster relies on data over the Bus for gauges and select warning lights.
With the malfunction duration being so short it will be difficult to diagnose this. If I had to guess I would suspect the TIPM (Totally Intergrated Power module) is the problem. It is probably an internal malfunction but check the cable connection first (power supply).
Have there been any collision repairs on this vehicle? Does it have an aftermarket radio?