Local News

Two Drivers Killed in US-395 Collision Involving Wrong-Way Driver

Authorities investigate circumstances of fiery head-on crash near the California-Nevada border.

February 18, 2026

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A photo of the closed US-395 at the scene of the crash shared by the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

A photo of the closed US-395 at the scene of the crash shared by the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

BORDER TOWN — A wrong-way driver caused a fatal head-on collision on U.S. Highway 395 on February 15, 2026. The incident resulted in the deaths of both drivers near the California-Nevada state line in Sierra County.

Multiple callers contacted authorities at approximately 7:31 PM to report a southbound vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes between the Agricultural Inspection Station and the California-Nevada state line. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Quincy Area received initial notifications, according to press releases from both the CHP and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office. An officer from the Portola Resident Post responded immediately to the report.

The head-on collision occurred at approximately 7:35 PM in the No. 1 northbound lane just north of the state line while the officer traveled en route. Reports of the crash arrived at dispatch around 7:36 PM with details of the fire and potential trapped occupants. The wrong-way vehicle struck a northbound vehicle, causing both to catch fire and blocking both northbound lanes.

Personnel from several agencies responded to the scene. Responders included units from the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, CHP units from Susanville and Quincy Areas, Truckee Meadows Fire, REMSA Ambulance, and emergency medical services. Emergency responders found two critically injured drivers upon arrival. CPR efforts started on one driver while the other remained unresponsive and trapped inside a vehicle.

Lifesaving efforts by first responders and passing motorists proved unsuccessful. Medical personnel pronounced both drivers deceased at the scene. Neither vehicle carried any passengers. The vehicles involved included a tan Subaru Impreza and a white SUV.

Northbound U.S. Highway 395 stayed closed for several hours. The closure enabled emergency operations, investigations, and complete roadway clearance.

The California Highway Patrol will conduct the collision investigation while the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office performs the coroner’s investigation in coordination with the CHP. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the CHP Quincy Area Office at (530) 283-1100.

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