Shingletown, CA (September 7, 2025) – A serious two-vehicle collision on State Route 44 just west of Shingletown resulted in major injuries Saturday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash occurred near Albers Forest Dr, approximately five miles west of the rural mountain town, prompting a significant emergency response.
Initial reports indicate that the accident occurred around 4:57 p.m. and involved a pickup truck and an SUV, with one of the vehicles reportedly overturned. Medics from Mercy Medical Center were dispatched to the scene and transported at least one person with significant injuries to the hospital for further evaluation. CHP later confirmed that the collision was reclassified as a “Major Injury” crash.
Responding officers established one-lane traffic control while first responders worked to stabilize the scene and clear the damaged vehicles. A black Jeep and a heavily damaged Dodge pickup were both towed from the area, with debris and vehicle damage reported across the highway shoulder.
Witnesses noted the violent nature of the crash, with at least one driver observing the collision through their rearview mirror. Tow services from Don Davis and Twin View Towing assisted in clearing the vehicles, while CHP remained on scene for several hours to manage traffic and conduct their investigation.
The roadway was fully reopened later in the evening. The identities of those involved and the exact sequence of events leading to the crash have not yet been disclosed.
Our thoughts are with the injured parties as they begin their recovery.
Rural Highway Crashes in Northern California
Crashes along scenic but remote highways like SR-44 near Shingletown can result in especially serious consequences due to the combination of limited visibility, higher speeds, and slower emergency access. Saturday’s collision, which left one vehicle overturned and another significantly damaged, highlights the risks drivers face on winding mountain roads in Shasta County.
SR-44 serves as a vital connector between Redding and Lassen Volcanic National Park, cutting through densely forested terrain with limited shoulder space and variable weather conditions. These factors, paired with driver inattention or speed, contribute to a number of major injury crashes each year.
In this case, the involvement of a pickup truck and SUV—both common vehicles on rural highways—underscores how even routine trips can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds. The fact that one vehicle ended up on its side suggests a high-impact collision, potentially from a side-swipe or rollover incident, both of which are common in two-lane rural roadways with narrow margins for error.
Emergency response in areas like Shingletown can be more complex due to long distances between medical facilities and limited cellular coverage. Fortunately, responders from Mercy Medical Center and regional tow crews were able to arrive quickly and coordinate care and removal, limiting additional hazards for passing drivers.
For victims and their families, rural collisions can have long-lasting impacts beyond the immediate medical concerns. Travel costs, loss of transportation, and insurance complications are all common in the aftermath of serious wrecks.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash like this on SR-44, Local Accident Reports is here to connect you with trusted local resources and help guide your next steps. We’re committed to making the recovery process easier with information, support, and personalized assistance. Contact us today to begin the path toward healing and resolution.
