CHICO, CA, (May 27, 2026) – A multi-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Chico left one woman dead and several others injured, according to authorities.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 63-year-old Tawny Christner of Clearlake Oaks.
Investigators said the crash occurred around 1 p.m. near East Lassen Avenue and the Esplanade when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed reportedly ran a red light and struck another car stopped at the intersection. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to enter the intersection, where it collided with additional vehicles waiting at a red light.
Authorities said a total of six vehicles were involved in the crash, including a B-Line Transit bus.
Christner, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles struck during the collision, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the speeding vehicle and another individual were transported to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.
