Tehama County, CA (January 14, 2026) – Authorities identified six people who were killed in a transit bus crash on Wednesday, January 14. The six individuals included: Kelly Margaret Langstaff (50), Cassandra Ann Moreno (42), John Douglas Perry (72), Trena Kay Kain (a.k.a. Trenna Darrow) (62), Oscar Casas Carrillo (41), and Christina Sue Whittemore (41). Another unnamed individual was taken to the hospital with major injuries.
Incident Details: On Wednesday, January 14, the collision occurred around 10 a.m. on Highway 99 south of Gyle Road.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was traveling south on the highway. For unknown reasons, the Tacoma crossed over the broken yellow center line and collided head-on with a Tehama Rural Area eXpress bus that had six people on board.
The bus driver, Langstaff, was killed. Four of the bus passengers were also killed. The passengers were: Moreno, Perry, Kain, and Casas Carrillo. A fifth passenger, who was not identified, was taken to the Enloe Medical Center in Chico with major injuries.
The Tacoma pickup truck driver, Whittemore, was also killed in the crash.
The only survivor of the crash was identified as Joseph Rhoads (54).
Investigation: The CHP is continuing to investigate the fatal crash on Highway 99 south of Gyle Road that involved a Toyota Tacoma and a Tehama Rural Area eXpress transit bus.
Because the Tacoma reportedly crossed over the broken yellow center line for reasons that are not yet known, investigators will work to determine what caused the vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. This typically includes reviewing physical evidence from the scene, analyzing vehicle damage and impact points, interviewing witnesses, and checking for any available surveillance or dash camera footage.
The CHP will also evaluate whether speed, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or a mechanical issue contributed to the collision, and confirm additional details about the moments leading up to the head-on impact.
Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions involving commercial or public transit vehicles often lead to complex liability and insurance issues, especially when multiple fatalities and serious injuries are involved. If the investigation confirms the Tacoma driver crossed into the opposing lane due to negligence, the victims’ families may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims. Such claims can help recover compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and care.
The surviving passenger who suffered major injuries may also have a personal injury claim for medical expenses, long-term treatment needs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
In crashes involving public transportation, there may also be additional procedures and insurance considerations that affect how claims are handled.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed, and hope the surviving victim is able to recover as fully as possible from this devastating crash.
Source: Redding Record Searchlight