Red Bluff, California – Six people were killed and another was left seriously injured after a head-on collision between a pickup truck and a county transit bus Wednesday morning in Northern California. Authorities said the crash caused the bus to become fully engulfed in flames, prompting a large emergency response.
Head-On Collision Reported on Highway 99W
According to a press release from the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Highway 99W, south of Gyle Road, in the Red Bluff area.
Investigators said a gray Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound with a single occupant at an unknown speed when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed over the broken yellow centerline into the northbound lane.
The northbound lane was occupied by a Tehama County transit bus carrying five passengers and a driver.
Bus Catches Fire After Impact
CHP officials said the vehicles collided head-on, causing the transit bus to catch fire.
“A head-on collision occurred, and the transit bus became fully engulfed in flames,” the agency said in its statement.
Emergency crews from Cal Fire and the Tehama County Fire Department responded to the scene and assisted with firefighting and rescue efforts, confirming their involvement in posts on X.
Victims and Injuries Confirmed
Authorities confirmed that four passengers on the transit bus and the bus driver were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was also pronounced dead.
One remaining passenger from the transit bus was transported to Enloe Medical Center with major injuries.
CHP said it is not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, and the identities of those involved are being withheld pending family notifications.
Anyone with information regarding the identities of the bus passengers has been asked to contact the Tehama County Coroner’s Office at (530) 527-1130.
Transit Services Suspended Following Crash
In the aftermath of the incident, Tehama County Public Works announced that all county transit services were suspended for the remainder of Wednesday and throughout Thursday.
The department said the decision was made due to operational considerations and out of respect for the families affected and transit employees.
Officials noted that transit services are expected to resume Friday, depending on operational readiness, and that additional updates would be shared as they become available.
Highway Reopens as Investigation Continues
Later Wednesday, CHP announced that Highway 99W south of Gyle Road had reopened following an earlier closure related to the crash scene and investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision. Further details were first reported by NBC News, which is continuing to follow developments in the case.
