According to the California Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred around 9:10 p.m. on eastbound SR-299 east of Whiskey Creek Road.
Redding, CA – Five people died, and one other was seriously injured in a fiery head-on collision that happened Saturday night on State Route 299 near Whiskeytown Lake.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred around 9:10 p.m. on September 19, 2026, on eastbound SR-299 east of Whiskey Creek Road.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda Civic occupied by three people was heading westbound on SR-299, and a 2007 Toyota Prius, also occupied by three people, was traveling eastbound on the highway.
Authorities said, for an unknown reason, the Honda crossed the double-yellow lines into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota. Both vehicles caught fire, and the fire also spread to nearby brush.
At least one person was trapped inside one of the vehicles.
All the occupants in the Honda died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota also succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Both passengers in the Toyota were hospitalized with serious injuries. One of them later died from their injuries.
SR-299 remained closed for an extended period following the accident.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.