Sacramento County, CA – In the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, a single-vehicle collision resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls and left three others in critical condition near Sloughhouse, according to ABC10, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 12:29 AM on Scott Road north of Latrobe Road.
Authorities said a 16-year-old girl was driving the vehicle when it crashed into a tree at high speed, with witnesses in the area reporting the sound of brakes screeching before the impact. The vehicle became fully engulfed in flames following the crash. First responders were alerted to the incident through an iPhone crash notification. Before emergency crews arrived, passing drivers stopped and were able to pull three rear-seat passengers from the burning vehicle.
The 16-year-old driver and a 14-year-old girl in the front passenger seat were pronounced dead at the scene. The three surviving passengers, two aged 16 and one aged 15, were transported to separate trauma centers, including UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, all in critical condition.
All lanes of Scott Road were blocked during the investigation before being fully reopened at approximately 6:37 AM. The coroner responded to the scene, and next of kin notifications were underway at the time of reporting.
Investigators have not determined whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s comparative negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages through a wrongful death claim.
Passenger Liability
A driver’s liability coverage extends to those inside their vehicle as well as outside. In many cases, those passengers are someone who knows the driver personally. So, when a passenger is injured and their driver is found liable, they may feel reluctant to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.
In many cases, however, a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim may be required for an insurer to offer a fair settlement that covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. A personal injury attorney can facilitate this process and, as a neutral third party, help navigate any emotional complexities that may arise.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California car accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
