6 Dead After Transit Bus Becomes 'Engulfed in Flames' Following Head-On Collision with Pickup Truck on Calif. Highway

Six people have died, and one is seriously injured, following a collision between a pickup truck and a transit bus in California.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the California Highway Patrol for the Red Bluff area revealed in a press release that the fatal crash occurred on Highway 99W, south of Gyle Road at around 10:00 a.m.

In the statement, officials said a gray Toyota Tacoma was being driven southbound on the highway by a solo occupant “at an unknown speed.”

“For unknown reasons, the Toyota Tacoma crossed over the broken yellow centerline and entered the northbound lane,” the statement added. “The northbound lane was occupied by a Tehama County transit bus traveling northbound at an unknown speed, carrying five passengers.”

PEOPLE has contacted the California Highway Patrol for further comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

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Authorities added, “A head-on collision occurred, and the transit bus became fully engulfed in flames.”

Those pronounced dead include four passengers and the driver on the transit bus, officials confirmed. 

The driver of the truck was also pronounced dead at the scene, while an occupant of the transit bus was taken to Enloe Medical Center with major injuries. 

“It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this crash,” the release continued. “The identification of all parties involved is being withheld pending further notifications.”

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.

Cal Fire and the Tehama County Fire Department confirmed on X that they also assisted at the scene. 

On Wednesday, Tehama County Public Works confirmed in a Facebook post that all transit services were being suspended for the rest of the day and on Thursday, following the incident.

They said the suspension was “due to operational considerations and out of respect for the families affected and the employees."

“Our thoughts are with those impacted during this difficult time. Transit service is anticipated to resume Friday, subject to operational readiness,” they added. “Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience.”

The CHP-Red Bluff announced later on Wednesday that Highway 99W, south of Gyle Road, had reopened following a road closure.