California Highway Patrol

On January 8, 2018, at approximately 4:07 P.M., a multi-vehicle traffic collision occurred resulting in a fatality in an unincorporated area of Ventura County. The collision was on SR (State Route) 126, east of Sharp Ranch (approximately 2 miles West of the Los Angeles County Line).

The driver of a Mercedes-Benz was driving westbound SR 126 at an unknown rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz appeared to have lost control of her vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz spun into eastbound lanes of SR 126 where it set off a chain of collisions involving four other vehicles in both the eastbound and westbound lanes. There were a total of five vehicles involved. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz received fatal injuries as a result of the collisions. The drivers of two other vehicles were transported with reportedly minor injuries.

Both of the westbound SR 126 lanes were closed for approximately two hours. The shoulder of Westbound SR 126 was eventually opened to allow traffic to safely continue westbound. Eastbound SR 126 traffic was able to proceed through the scene by using the right shoulder during the entire investigation. Several deputies from the Ventura County Sheriffs Department responded to assist with traffic control. The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) responded and provided aid to the parties involved. VCFD also assisted with getting traffic safely through the scene. American Medical Response transported two parties to local hospitals to be treated for injuries.

There were no arrests made and there is no indication at this time that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this collision.

This information is preliminary and the collision is still under investigation. The adverse weather conditions at the time of this incident appeared to have been a partial factor in the cause for this fatal collision. Media can call CHP Moorpark Public Information Officer Marin during normal business hours at 805-553-0800.