Nordhoff Street at De Soto Avenue: an SUV ran a red light and struck a Metro Line 166 bus broadside, killing two people

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 15, 2026): Two people were killed and six others were hurt Tuesday evening when an SUV ran a red light and slammed into the side of a Los Angeles Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The crash happened shortly after 5 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Police said the driver of a gray 2004 Ford Expedition was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue when she ran a red light and struck the Metro Line 166 bus broadside. “The impact fully ejected one passenger from the bus and partially ejected a second,” the LAPD said in a statement reported by the San Fernando Valley Sun. Debris also damaged a Honda CR-V that was stopped at the intersection.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victims as Gage Weida, 31, who died in the street, and Daniel Castillo, 46, who died on the bus. Six people were taken to hospitals, including one with major injuries, according to CBS Los Angeles. LA Metro said in a statement that it extended its condolences to the families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The SUV driver, a 36-year-old Simi Valley woman, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman later announced charges of second-degree murder, driving under the influence causing injury and reckless driving, ABC7 reported. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Less than two hours after the bus crash, a news helicopter covering the scene crashed a few blocks away, a separate tragedy now under federal investigation.

Liability for Los Angeles Bus Crashes

California Vehicle Code § 21453 requires drivers facing a steady red signal to stop, and California Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause injury to another person. In civil cases, a driver whose conduct shows a conscious disregard for the safety of others can face punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294. Passengers on a public bus are also protected by California Civil Code § 2100, which requires a common carrier to use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage.

  • Red-light violation: Police said the SUV was in the wrong lanes and ran a red light before striking the bus broadside.
  • Impairment: Prosecutors filed a DUI causing injury charge. Toxicology and evidence from the SUV will be central to both the criminal and civil cases.
  • Passenger ejection: Police said one passenger was fully ejected and another partially ejected. Bus design, windows and seating are reviewed in serious transit injuries.
  • Multiple victims: Pedestrians, bus passengers and other motorists each may have separate claims arising from the same collision.

A criminal case does not replace a family’s civil rights. Under California law, crime victims can seek restitution in the criminal case and can separately pursue civil claims for wrongful death and personal injury against those responsible.

Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Bus Crash

Bus passengers often leave the scene by ambulance without exchanging information, so collecting records early is especially important.

  • Get the LAPD report number: Contact the LAPD Valley Traffic Division for the report and the name of the assigned investigator.
  • Request transit incident records: LA Metro keeps onboard video and incident reports. A written preservation request should be made quickly.
  • Keep all medical records: Emergency room, imaging and follow-up records document injuries that may worsen over time.
  • Track the criminal case: Victims have rights to notice and to be heard in the criminal case, including on restitution.

A California wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Any claim involving a public transit agency must generally be presented to that entity within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Investigating Los Angeles Bus Crashes

We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the families of Daniel Castillo and Gage Weida and our wishes for a full recovery to everyone injured. What will onboard bus video and intersection cameras at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue show about the SUV’s speed and path? What available insurance covers the passengers, pedestrians and drivers harmed in this collision?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bus 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.