Los Alamos, CA (June 28, 2026) – One person died, and multiple others were hurt following a wrong-way highway collision involving a Chumash Casino bus early on Friday, June 26, on Highway 101 north of Los Alamos.
The crash happened around 3:17 a.m. when a passenger vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes struck the bus head-on south of Palmer Road. The passenger vehicle caught fire after the collision, and flames spread to the bus and nearby brush. All 14 people aboard the bus were safely evacuated before the fire intensified.
According to initial reports, the driver or occupant of the wrong-way vehicle was killed. The 14 bus passengers received minor injuries and were taken by ground ambulance to local hospitals for treatment. The southbound left lane of Highway 101 remained closed as of 10 a.m. Friday, causing significant traffic delays. The identities of those involved had not been released at the time of publication.
Investigators continue working to determine what led to the highway collision.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the loved ones of the person who lost their life.
Why Wrong-Way Highway Crashes Are Usually So Severe
Wrong-way highway crashes are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions because they frequently involve vehicles traveling at high speeds in opposite directions. The closing speed between the two vehicles greatly increases the force involved, raising the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. These crashes mostly occur during overnight or early morning hours, when visibility is reduced, and traffic is lighter. Safety features such as median barriers, roadway signs, and wrong-way detection systems are designed to help prevent these incidents, but drivers are also encouraged to remain alert and report any vehicle traveling in the wrong direction as soon as it is safe to do so. Quick reporting can help warn other motorists and reduce the likelihood of additional harm.
