A head-on collision between a pickup truck and a transit bus killed six people and left one person critically injured on Highway 99W near Gyle Road in Tehama County on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 10 a.m. when a gray Toyota Tacoma traveling southbound crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic, officials said. The truck struck a Tehama County transit bus, known as TRAX, that was heading northbound with five passengers plus the driver on board.
The transit bus became fully engulfed in flames immediately following the impact, according to CHP.
Four bus passengers died at the scene along with the bus driver, officials confirmed. The pickup truck driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, also died at the scene. One bus passenger was flown to Enloe Medical Center with major injuries.
CHP officials stated it is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The identities of all parties involved are being withheld pending further notifications, according to law enforcement.
Anyone with information about the identities of the passengers on the transit bus was asked to contact the Tehama County Coroner’s Office at 530-527-1130. Those with witness information were directed to contact CHP Red Bluff at 530-737-6746.
Cal Fire and the Tehama County Fire Department assisted at the scene of the accident.
James Kriebel provided video of the crash scene showing a large smoke column visible from the fire. The highway south of Gyle Road, which had been closed following the collision, reopened around 4:30 p.m.
Tehama County Public Works announced that TRAX suspended all transit service for the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday due to operational considerations and out of respect for the families affected.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors released a statement addressing the tragic collision.
“Tehama County is heartbroken to learn of a tragic traffic collision involving a TRAX transit bus that occurred late this morning, January 14, 2026, resulting in the loss of a TRAX employee and five occupants,” the board stated.
The county extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the loss. Officials noted that TRAX employees are mourning the loss of a valued colleague.
The board asked the public and media to allow space and privacy for the families as they grieve, adding that details regarding the incident would be released by law enforcement agencies as deemed appropriate.
Updates regarding route changes, service impacts and continuation of transit service will be shared on the Tehama County Public Works Facebook page and the TRAX website.
TRAX provides public transportation services throughout Tehama County, offering fixed-route and demand-response transit options connecting Red Bluff, Corning, Los Molinos, Gerber, Tehama and places in between.
The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing, with CHP leading the effort to determine what factors contributed to the deadly crash.