The collision occurred around 3:11 p.m. on January 26, 2025, on eastbound Highway 50 near Kyburz.
El Dorado County, CA – The California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that killed two adults and left two children seriously injured on Sunday afternoon on Highway 50.
The collision occurred around 3:11 p.m. on January 26, 2025, on eastbound Highway 50 near Kyburz.
CHP reported that a Chevrolet pickup left the roadway and struck a tree on the south side of the highway. First responders were dispatched immediately to assist the victims.
Authorities confirmed that the driver and front-seat passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The names of the victims have not been released.
Two children, an 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, were seated in the back and suffered major injuries. They were airlifted to a hospital in Reno, Nevada, for emergency treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
CHP investigators stated that unsafe speed may have contributed to the crash. There was no indication of alcohol impairment, though CHP noted that toxicology testing is conducted in all fatal collisions. Emergency crews remained on scene for several hours as responders worked to extricate the children from the heavily damaged vehicle.
Highway 50 was temporarily closed in the area while the investigation and rescue efforts were underway. The roadway has since reopened. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of the family.
Single-vehicle crashes are a major contributor to roadway fatalities in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, nearly 54% of fatal crashes statewide in 2023 involved only one vehicle.
National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that roadway departures—when a vehicle leaves the travel lane—account for over 38% of all traffic deaths in the United States each year.
Drivers are reminded to reduce speed on rural or winding highways, remain alert, and adjust driving to road and weather conditions. Families are also encouraged to ensure children are properly restrained and that all passengers use seat belts at all times, as these measures significantly reduce the severity of injuries in serious crashes.