By Heather Taylor
Red Bluff Daily News
RED BLUFF, Calif. — On Wednesday morning, just after 10 a.m., a major crash occurred on Highway 99W between Gyle Rd and Finnell Ave, the Red Bluff California Highway Patrol announced. There were six fatalities.
In a press release shortly after 1:30 p.m., CHP stated a gray Toyota Tacoma with one occupant was traveling at an unknown rate of speed, when it crossed over the centerline. A Tehama County bus was traveling in the other lane carrying five passengers.
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CHP states a head-on crash occurred, and the transit bus was fully engulfed in flames.
Four passengers and the bus driver were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was also pronounced dead at the scene.
One bus passenger was flown to Enloe Medical Center in Chico.
Anyone with identifying information about the bus passengers should contact the Tehama County Coroner’s office at 530-527-1130. Those with information about the crash should call the Red Bluff CHP office at 530-737-6746.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors shared a statement on Wednesday afternoon, saying the county mourns the loss of life from the incident. They wrote the collision impacted the families, the county and Tehama Rural Area eXpress — TRAX — employees.
“Tehama County extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss. Our thoughts are with all those grieving during this incredibly difficult time, including the dedicated employees of TRAX who are mourning the loss of a valued colleague,” the board stated.
Red Bluff CHP stated the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team was on-scene, close to 12:30 p.m., and would be assisting with the investigation. They stated it is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
All parties’ identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Tehama County Public Works shared via Facebook that the Tehama County Transportation Commission would close the TRAX Glenn Tehama Connect Route on Wednesday until further notice.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Public Works announced that all transit services would be suspended for the remainder of the day, out of respect for TRAX employees and affected families.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, the Tehama County Board of Supervisors stated due to the tragic incident, TRAX transit services would continue to remain closed on Thursday, Jan. 15.
“This decision is being made out of respect for the families affected and TRAX employees, as well as due to operational considerations,” the board stated. For updates on services, they directed people to the county public works Facebook page or www.taketrax.com. Services will resume when operationally able to do so.
Around 11 a.m., CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn announced a road closure on Highway 99W between Sonoma Ave and Gyle Rd , as crews responded to the accident. At 2:30 p.m., CAL FIRE shared on Facebook that all fire resources were released from the incident.
Shortly after 1 p.m., CHP shared that Highway 99W would remain closed at the location for an “undetermined amount of time” while the crash was still under investigation and drivers were asked to avoid the area.
At about 4:30 p.m., CHP announced the closure was lifted and Highway 99W south of Gyle Road was reopened.
In addition to CAL FIRE and CHP, crews from the Tehama County Fire Department and Corning Fire Department were on scene.
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