The collision occurred at approximately 2:34 p.m. on Highway 45 on October 16, 2026.
Ord Bend, CA – Two people were killed and two others suffered minor injuries in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 45 near Ord Bend on Friday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred at approximately 2:34 p.m. on Highway 45 on October 16, 2026.
According to the CHP, a black 1996 Ford Ranger, a black 2017 Chevrolet Volt, and a red 2016 Toyota Tacoma were heading northbound on Highway 45 at about 55 mph. At some point, the Tacoma driver, a Corning woman, moved into the southbound lane to pass the Ranger.
At the same time, the Ranger also began moving into the southbound lane to overtake the Volt and entered the Tacoma's path. The Tacoma driver swerved onto the gravel shoulder to avoid a collision but lost control and struck the Ranger.
The impact pushed the Ranger into the Chevrolet Volt, damaging both vehicles. The Ranger and Volt then left the east side of the roadway and entered an almond orchard, where they struck several trees. The Ranger overturned, ejecting both of its occupants.
The Ranger's driver, a 72-year-old woman, and passenger, a 68-year-old man, were killed in the incident. CHP officials said neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
The Volt's driver and passenger suffered minor injuries and were transported to Enloe Health by air and ground ambulance. The Tacoma driver regained control and stopped on the west shoulder of Highway 45. The Corning woman was not injured.
According to CHP, investigators are working to determine whether drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation.