Ventura, CA – In the early hours of Friday, January 31, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision on US Highway 101 southbound resulted in one fatality and injuries to at least one other person, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:05 AM near the Oxnard Boulevard off-ramp.
Preliminary information from dispatch indicates that a northbound vehicle was traveling in the southbound lanes of the highway when it collided with other vehicles, including a white sedan, just south of the Johnson Avenue intersection. Responding officers reported that one occupant was unresponsive at the scene, while another sustained injuries and was transported for treatment.
Fire and emergency personnel arrived promptly, performing extraction procedures on trapped occupants and providing life-saving interventions. The Johnson Avenue on-ramp to southbound U.S. 101 was closed by the California Department of Transportation to facilitate the emergency response and evidence collection.
Tow trucks were requested to remove disabled vehicles, and traffic was diverted while lanes were secured. CHP later confirmed that the collision involved three vehicles and resulted in one confirmed fatality.
The identities of those involved have not yet been released, and investigators continue to examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and potential contributing factors, including possible driver error or impairment.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
