A catastrophic head-on collision between a pick-up truck and a public transit bus in Northern California has resulted in six fatalities and left one person critically injured.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The crash occurred on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, around 10 a.m. on Highway 99W near Richfield, California. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver of a grey Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck was travelling south towards Sacramento when it crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic.
The truck then collided head-on with a Tehama County transit bus operated by the service TRAX. The impact caused the bus to burst into flames immediately. Emergency services, including crews from the Tehama County Fire Department, rushed to the scene.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The aftermath of the collision was devastating. The driver of the Toyota, the bus driver, and four bus passengers were all pronounced dead at the scene. One surviving bus passenger was airlifted to Enloe Medical Centre in Chico with major, life-threatening injuries.
CHP officials stated the Toyota was "travelling at unknown speeds" at the time. It remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, as investigations continue.
A section of Highway 99W between Gyle Road and Sonoma Avenue was closed for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators worked to determine the precise cause. The roadway has since reopened.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are now working to formally identify all those involved. The CHP has asked anyone with information about the bus occupants to contact the Tehama County Coroner's Office.
In response to the tragedy, TRAX suspended all its transit services for the remainder of Wednesday and all day Thursday. The company cited operational considerations and respect for the affected families and its own employees.
"Our thoughts are with those impacted during this difficult time," the organisation said in a statement. Services are anticipated to resume on Friday, subject to operational readiness.
