LOS MOLINOS, Tehama County, Calif., Nov. 4, 2026 — One person died on Tuesday morning, November 3, in a three-vehicle crash on southbound SR-99 near the Julia's Fruit Stand area of Los Molinos, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a semi-truck and at least two passenger vehicles, including a Toyota Sequoia and a red Kia. Investigators reported that the big rig struck an SUV, which rolled over and then collided with another vehicle. The truck went off the roadway into an orchard, and the report described one of the vehicles as badly damaged in the impact. The CHP log listed a possible fatality involving the red Kia, and the coroner was notified.
The truck driver was reported to have minor injuries and was taken to be checked. The truck was described as a dry van with no hazardous materials on board. Large amounts of debris covered the roadway after the crash, and the CHP log noted a traffic hazard as crews worked to clear it.
Cal Fire Tehama Glenn units and tow crews responded to the scene. The highway was fully blocked for a time while crews worked, and the CHP said traffic backed up for about half a mile on the southbound side. The agency later set up one-way traffic control with the northbound lane open while the roadway was cleared. A tow company also reported damage to trees in a nearby orchard caused by the truck during the incident.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, and the investigation by the California Highway Patrol remains active.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Los Molinos, CA
This fatal crash happened on SR-99 in Los Molinos, CA. We cover crashes across Tehama County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Tehama County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers share the road with trucks safely?
Give commercial trucks extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots alongside or behind the trailer, and never cut in front of a truck and then slow down.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Fatigue can slow a driver's reaction time and is a factor investigators commonly examine in large truck crashes, along with speed and road conditions.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, stay clear of spilled cargo or debris, and wait for law enforcement to document the scene before moving a vehicle if it's safe to do so.
Why do trucks need so much distance to stop?
Loaded commercial trucks weigh far more than passenger vehicles and require significantly longer stopping distances, especially at highway speeds.
