[05-08-2026] Tehama County, CA – Fatal Head-On Crash Closes I-5 Near Red Bluff

At least one person was killed following a head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver near Red Bluff on Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. on southbound Interstate 5 near the Finnell Avenue off-ramp.

Authorities reported that a driver was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes before colliding head-on with at least one other vehicle.

The collision prompted the closure of southbound Interstate 5 at Gyle Road as emergency crews, including firefighters and the Tehama County Coroner’s Office, responded to the scene.

Officials reopened all southbound lanes around 8 p.m.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.