Toyota Tacoma crossed centre divider and struck northbound TRAX bus
January 14, 2026 | Corning, CA
John Douglas Perry, a 72-year-old Navy veteran from Chico, lost his life as one of six fatalities in a devastating head-on collision between a TRAX bus and a Toyota Tacoma on State Route 99.
The California Highway Patrol reported that around 10 a.m., a southbound Toyota Tacoma veered across the center divider into the northbound lane, slamming into the TRAX bus south of Gyle Road in Tehama County.
The crash caused the bus to erupt in flames, leading to the tragic deaths of six individuals, including Perry, who was a passenger.
John Douglas Perry, 72, of Chico, died after a Toyota Tacoma crossed the center divider and struck a TRAX bus head-on on State Route 99 near Gyle Road south of Corning.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details include:
- Location: State Route 99 westbound, south of Gyle Road, near Corning.
- Time: Approximately 10 a.m. on Jan. 14.
- Vehicles Involved: Northbound TRAX bus and southbound Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.
- Casualties: Six people killed, including the 72-year-old victim.
- Immediate Aftermath: The bus caught fire following the collision.
The Tehama Rural Area eXpress (TRAX) provides essential public transportation services across Tehama County, linking communities like Corning with local and regional routes.
Who Was John Douglas Perry?
Perry, a father of three and grandfather of five, was remembered fondly by his daughter, Melissa Heupel. She described him as a creative individual who befriended everyone he encountered, with a passion for music, singing, and skilled craftsmanship in jewelry, vehicles, and home repairs. His warm smile and instant connections left a lasting effect on those around him.
Heupel noted that Perry also cared for his 16-year-old son, whose mother had recently passed away before the holidays. To support the family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched for immediate expenses and the young son's future. You can contribute here.
How Is the Investigation Progressing?
The California Highway Patrol is spearheading the investigation into this fatal head-on accident, with support from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. Officials are examining factors that may have contributed to the Toyota Tacoma crossing into oncoming traffic.
Legal Insights on Head-On Collisions
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, national analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the value of independent investigations.
“Beyond law enforcement efforts, an attorney can re-interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and secure phone records from the at-fault party,” Bond stated. “This approach helps families navigate their loss while safeguarding their legal entitlements.”
Key takeaways include:
- Hiring legal representation ensures a thorough, unbiased review of crash evidence.
- Attorneys can compassionately assist grieving families in protecting their rights during investigations.
- Early action preserves critical details like witness statements and digital data.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added that families may pursue claims for wrongful death to address losses such as companionship and emotional suffering.
“Protecting the rights of those affected by catastrophic accidents is essential,” Formica explained. “A dedicated lawyer keeps pace with official inquiries to secure fair outcomes for relatives.”
Head-On Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Information Institute, head-on collisions pose significant risks on roadways. Below is a summary of key data:
Year |
Fatalities in Head-On Crashes |
Source |
|---|
2020 |
3,631 |
Insurance Information Institute |
2019 |
3,522 |
Insurance Information Institute |
2018 |
3,460 |
Insurance Information Institute |
These figures highlight the ongoing dangers of such incidents, often linked to factors like speeding, impairment, or median crossovers, as noted by the Federal Highway Administration.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).