Ventura, CA (July 15, 2026) – Five people were taken to hospitals following a hit-and-run collision early on Wednesday morning on southbound US-101 at SR-33 in Ventura. The crash was reported shortly after 1:00 a.m.
Initial information indicated two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision after a white Mercedes was reportedly traveling the wrong way. A BMW and a Mercedes came to rest blocking traffic lanes, prompting a full closure of the southbound roadway while emergency units assisted those involved.
Dispatch records identified four occupants by name: Shogik Galstyan, Ashot Galstyan, Angeline Carrillo, and Fatima Rangel. A total of five people were taken to hospitals, including one person with major injuries and three with minor injuries. The driver believed to have been operating the Mercedes had not been located as of the latest update. The cause of the wreck remains under investigation as additional details become available.
We are thinking of everyone who was hurt and wish them a smooth recovery.
What Happens After a Wrong-Way Hit-and-Run Collision?
Wrong-way collisions often require extensive documentation because investigators must determine how the vehicle entered the roadway and reconstruct the sequence of events. Evidence may include vehicle damage, tire marks, roadway debris, and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage.
When a driver leaves before being identified, investigators may also examine abandoned vehicles, physical evidence, and witness statements to identify the driver. Medical reports can help confirm the severity of injuries, while towing records and roadway measurements provide additional context. Because these collisions frequently involve extended lane closures, crews also work to safely remove damaged vehicles and reopen traffic as quickly as possible once the roadway has been documented.