Victoria Avenue at Doris Avenue: police say a pickup ran a red light and set off a chain of collisions involving eight vehicles
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA (September 25, 2026): Two men were killed and four other people were taken to hospitals after an Oxnard 8-vehicle crash at Victoria Avenue and Doris Avenue on Friday afternoon, September 25, according to the Oxnard Police Department. Police said traffic investigators believe speed and impairment by alcohol and/or drugs contributed to the crash.
Officers were called to the intersection at about 3:54 p.m. According to the department’s preliminary investigation, a 29-year-old Santa Paula man driving a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup north on Victoria Avenue ran a red light at Doris Avenue and struck a 2005 Honda Civic and a 1998 Toyota Avalon that were crossing westbound on a green light. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Police have not announced whether he was arrested or charged.
The impact pushed the Avalon north into a Southern California Edison pole on the center median, and the pole broke at its base and fell onto the car, police said. The Avalon then rolled into a Chevy Volt waiting in the southbound left-turn lane. The Civic and the Sierra went airborne, the Civic rolled over the side and roof of a stopped Nissan Rogue, and both vehicles landed on the median before hitting a GMC Terrain, which was pushed back into a Ford Fusion and a Toyota RAV4.
The drivers of the Civic and the Avalon, men ages 31 and 58 from Oxnard, were trapped in their cars and pronounced dead at the scene. Their names are being withheld until their families are notified. The driver and a passenger in the Terrain and the driver of the Rogue reported pain, and four people in all were taken to local hospitals with injuries police described as minor. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Patrick Blanche at (805) 385-7750 or the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.
Liability for the Oxnard Multi-Vehicle Crash
California Vehicle Code § 21453 requires drivers facing a steady red light to stop and remain stopped. Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause injury, and Civil Code § 3294 can allow punitive damages when a driver acts with conscious disregard for the safety of others. In a chain collision like this one, the civil issues usually include:
- Red light violation: Police said the Sierra entered the intersection on a red light while the Civic and Avalon had a green. Under Evidence Code § 669, violating a safety statute can create a presumption of negligence.
- Speed and impairment: Investigators believe speed and alcohol or drugs played a role. Blood test results, event data from the pickup and witness accounts are usually central evidence.
- Every injured person has a claim: Drivers and passengers in the Terrain, the Rogue and the other vehicles that were stopped or waiting to turn may have their own injury claims, even if their injuries first seemed minor.
- The fallen utility pole: The Edison pole fell onto the Avalon. How the pole was installed and whether it could withstand a vehicle impact may be examined as part of the reconstruction.
The families of the two men who died may bring wrongful death claims under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Any criminal case against the driver is separate from these civil claims, and a conviction is not required for a civil case to move forward.
Steps to Take After an Oxnard Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, alcohol and drug impaired driving remains one of the leading factors in fatal crashes in the state. People involved in large chain collisions often do not know how many drivers and insurers are involved, so organized records matter from the first day.
- Get medical care and keep records: Neck, back and head injuries from a sudden impact can appear hours or days later. Follow up with a doctor and keep every visit summary and bill.
- Request the police report: Ask the Oxnard Police Department for the traffic collision report, which will list all eight vehicles, drivers and insurers.
- Preserve photos and video: Keep photos of your vehicle and injuries, and ask nearby businesses on Victoria Avenue about security video before it is overwritten.
- Be careful with insurers: Several insurance companies may contact you. Consider getting advice before giving a recorded statement or signing a release.
Personal injury and wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a public agency or utility equipment in the public right of way is involved, a government claim may be due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Oxnard 8-Vehicle Crash
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two men who lost their lives, and we wish a full recovery to everyone who was injured. Important questions remain: How fast was the GMC Sierra traveling when it reached Doris Avenue, and what will blood tests show about impairment? And did the Edison pole that fell onto the Toyota Avalon contribute to that driver’s fatal injuries?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 30, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 25, 2026.
