Six people were killed and one critically injured after a head‑on collision on Highway 99W south of Gyle Road in Red Bluff, California, on Jan. 14. A southbound Toyota Tacoma crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Tehama County transit bus, which became fully engulfed in flames. Four bus passengers and the bus driver died; the truck driver also died at the scene. Authorities say causes such as speed, drugs or alcohol remain under investigation and are withholding identities pending family notifications.
Six Killed After Transit Bus Is Engulfed in Flames in Head‑On Crash With Pickup on California Highway
California Highway PatrolEmergency responders following the collision on Highway 99W south of Gyle Road in California on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
Six people have died and one person was critically injured after a head‑on collision between a pickup truck and a Tehama County transit bus in Red Bluff, California, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the crash occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at about 10:00 a.m. on Highway 99W south of Gyle Road. According to a CHP press release, a gray Toyota Tacoma driven by a single occupant was traveling southbound when, for reasons under investigation, it crossed the broken yellow centerline and entered the northbound lane.
CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/ Tehama County Fire DepartmentEmergency responders on on Highway 99W south of Gyle Road in California on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
The northbound lane was occupied by a Tehama County transit bus carrying five passengers and a driver. A head‑on collision followed and the transit bus became fully engulfed in flames, the CHP statement said.
Fatalities and injuries: Four bus passengers and the bus driver were pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup truck driver was also pronounced dead, bringing the total fatalities to six. One remaining bus occupant was transported to Enloe Medical Center with major injuries.
CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/ Tehama County Fire DepartmentEmergency responders on Highway 99W south of Gyle Road in California on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
Investigation and response: CHP said it is unknown whether drugs, alcohol or speed were factors; authorities are continuing their investigation. The identities of the people involved are being withheld pending family notifications. Cal Fire and the Tehama County Fire Department assisted at the scene, and CHP-Red Bluff later announced that Highway 99W south of Gyle Road was reopened after a temporary closure.
Local impact: Tehama County Public Works temporarily suspended all transit services for the remainder of the day and the following day out of respect for affected families and employees; service was expected to resume Friday pending operational readiness.
If you have information about the identities of the transit bus passengers, contact the Tehama County Coroner's Office at (530) 527-1130.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and will release additional information as it becomes available.
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