WILLOWS, Glenn County, Calif., Nov. 10, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash on State Route 162 just east of County Road 302 sent at least one driver into a roadside fence on Saturday afternoon, November 7, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency's dispatch log initially listed the collision as having unknown injuries before updating it to confirm injuries with units en route.
The crash involved a sedan and a minivan. The sedan reportedly went off the roadway into a fence with damage to its left front axle area, while the minivan ended up partially centered in a ditch nearby with damage to a rear tire. Dispatch notes describe the reporting party as distraught and unable to say whether there was a hazard in the roadway or detail the other vehicle involved.
Chp units requested tow response for both vehicles, and crews from two towing companies were called to the scene, with one provider reporting roughly a 15-minute arrival time. Officers shut down both lanes of Route 162 to recover the vehicles, then moved to one-way traffic control to finish the work. Fire personnel reportedly notified the property owner about damage to about 50 feet of fencing along the highway.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. We wish those injured a swift and full recovery.
Intersection Crashes in California
This crash happened at State Route 162 and County Road 302 in Willows, CA. Our California intersections page covers intersection crashes across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common causes of two-vehicle crashes like this one?
Collisions involving a vehicle leaving its lane commonly stem from distraction, a road hazard, a tire failure or a driver overcorrecting. The exact cause here has not been confirmed.
What injuries are typical in crashes where a vehicle goes off the road?
Drivers and passengers in run-off-road crashes frequently suffer neck and back strain, head injuries or broken bones, depending on speed and how the vehicle comes to rest.
How does speed affect the severity of a crash like this?
Higher speed gives a driver less time to react and increases the force involved when a vehicle leaves the roadway or strikes a fixed object such as a fence, which tends to raise the risk of serious injury.
What should drivers do if they come upon a crash scene with lane closures?
Slow down well before the scene, follow any posted detour or one-way traffic control, and avoid stopping to look, which can contribute to additional hazards for responders and other drivers.
