Moorpark, California (February 28, 2026) — Two women were killed, and three others were seriously injured, Saturday afternoon after a high-speed crash on State Route 23 in Moorpark, according to authorities.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Anabel Zamora, 41, and Mayra Garcia, 21, both of Los Angeles. Officials said both women died from multiple blunt force injuries, and their deaths were ruled accidental.
The collision occurred around 2:05 p.m. on the northbound lanes of State Route 23 near Los Angeles Avenue.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck and a 2013 Lexus ES350.
Investigators said the Silverado had been traveling southbound on SR-23 when the driver used the center median to pass other vehicles at a high rate of speed. Authorities reported that the driver lost control of the truck during the maneuver.
The Silverado then traveled up an embankment, crossed over the center median guardrail, and landed in the northbound lanes, where it collided head-on with the Lexus.
Emergency crews from the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the crash scene and pronounced two victims dead at the location.
Authorities said Mayra Garcia, a 22-year-old passenger in the pickup truck, died as a result of the collision. Anabel Zamora, who was driving the Lexus, was also killed in the crash.
Three other individuals involved in the crash were transported to a nearby hospital with major injuries. Officials have not publicly released their identities or updated their medical conditions.
The crash caused major disruptions along the freeway. Several lanes remained closed for hours while investigators processed the scene and emergency crews cleared damaged vehicles. At one point, only a single lane of traffic was open as authorities continued their investigation.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
When a vehicle crosses a center median and causes a collision in opposing traffic, investigators concentrate on factors such as vehicle speed, the driver’s maneuvers on the roadway, and any potentially unsafe passing attempts.
Crash reconstruction teams may analyze the Silverado’s trajectory, including its path up the embankment, over the guardrail, vehicle damage, and debris. They may also review electronic data to determine speed, braking, and steering before the collision.
Authorities said that a field sobriety test was conducted on the driver of the pickup truck, and investigators do not currently believe impairment played a role in the crash.
At this time, no arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of roadway crashes because the combined force of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions significantly increases the impact energy.
When a driver attempts to pass traffic by using a center median or other unsafe maneuver, investigators may evaluate whether that action constitutes reckless or negligent driving. Such findings can affect both criminal liability and potential civil claims.
Zamora’s and Garcia’s families may pursue wrongful death claims to help them with funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of companionship, depending on the final conclusions of the investigation. Those seriously injured may have the right to pursue personal injury claims to assist with their medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Anabel Zamora and Mayra Garcia. I also wish a swift recovery for those injured in this tragic crash.
Sources: CBS Los Angeles; Ventura County Star