Butte County, CA – In the early hours of Friday, February 20, 2026, a traffic collision on State Route 70 resulted in fatal injuries, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:08 AM near State Route 70 and Pentz Road, just north of Pentz Road and west of the West Branch Bridge over Lake Oroville.
Initial reports described a single-vehicle traffic collision on the bridge with debris scattered across the roadway. Responders later confirmed a two-vehicle collision involving a gray pickup truck and a box truck van.
Subsequent updates identified one of the involved vehicles as a sedan. Authorities indicated that at least one party remained inside a vehicle following the crash, while two other involved individuals were conscious and speaking with responders.
Emergency personnel from Butte County Fire Department arrived on scene shortly after the initial dispatch. Officials reported that all lanes were blocked as crews worked to assess injuries, secure the scene, and address hazardous roadway conditions. The bridge was described as icy, prompting a request for Caltrans to respond for closure procedures and to apply sand or ice treatment.
Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage, including axle issues. Tow services were requested, and evidence tows were conducted as part of the investigation. Debris removal required additional equipment due to the extent of the wreckage.
One eastbound lane later reopened under controlled traffic. The incident was initially classified as a major injury collision before being updated to a fatality. The case remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
