Last Updated on March 1, 2026 by CCAR Staff
A fatal crash early Friday morning on South Avenue near the 23910 block, just west of Red Bluff, killed one person and blocked both lanes of the roadway for several hours, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:44 a.m. when a white Chevrolet Malibu left the roadway and sustained major damage, with the right side of the vehicle ripped off and significant intrusion to the front and passenger side. Emergency crews from the California Highway Patrol, Tehama County Sheriff’s Office, Corning Police Department, and Cal Fire responded to the scene. Firefighters reported light smoke coming from the vehicle upon arrival.
Authorities confirmed the fatality shortly after arriving and requested the Tehama County Coroner. Both directions of South Avenue were blocked while first responders worked to investigate the crash and clear the wreckage. Tow crews arrived with a flatbed truck to remove the heavily damaged vehicle, a process that delayed the reopening of the roadway.
Traffic remained at a standstill as officials coordinated with multiple agencies to manage the scene and ensure the safety of responders and the public. By 6:15 a.m., authorities reopened South Avenue to traffic after the vehicle was removed and the investigation concluded.
No additional vehicles were reported to be involved, and officials have not released the identity of the person killed pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
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