SHINGLETOWN, Shasta County, Calif., Oct. 24, 2026 — A head-on crash trapped two people inside their vehicles on Friday afternoon, October 23, on State Route 44 near Inwood Road.
The California Highway Patrol said a Ford F150 and a Ford Explorer collided head-on just north of the Inwood Road intersection. Both vehicles reportedly sustained major damage in the crash.
At least one driver was reported trapped and injured inside a vehicle. A bystander who stopped at the scene told dispatchers that smoke was coming from inside one of the trucks. Both lanes of the highway were blocked afterward.
Crews requested tow trucks for both vehicles, and Shasta County fire and emergency medical crews were called to assist at the scene. The CHP said the roadway was reopened to traffic once the vehicles were cleared.
No further details on injuries or the cause of the crash had been released as of Friday evening. The investigation remains active.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Shingletown, CA
This crash happened at State Route 44 and Inwood Road in Shingletown, CA. We cover crashes across Shasta County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Shasta County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid a head-on collision?
Staying alert to oncoming traffic, keeping a safe distance, and never crossing a center line to pass without a clear view ahead are the basics that prevent most head-on crashes.
Where do most head-on crashes happen?
They're more common on two-lane rural highways, where opposing traffic shares the road without a physical barrier between lanes.
What role does passing play in head-on crashes?
Many head-on crashes happen when a driver attempts to pass on a two-lane road and misjudges the gap or speed of an oncoming vehicle.
How do median barriers help prevent head-on crashes?
Physical dividers, even simple cable or concrete barriers, keep vehicles from crossing into oncoming lanes and have cut head-on crash rates on highways where they've been installed.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Shingletown, CA
If you're involved in a head-on crash, call 911 right away and stay as still as possible if you're trapped or in pain until help arrives. Even if injuries seem minor at first, get checked by a medical provider, since adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or whiplash. Take photos of the scene and vehicle positions if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Once you're able, request a copy of the official collision report from the CHP for your records.
