A fatal Chatsworth crash left two people dead and at least six others injured Tuesday evening after a Ford SUV collided with a Metro bus near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Los Angeles.
The collision happened shortly after 5 p.m. on September 15, 2026, triggering a major emergency response as firefighters worked to reach people trapped inside the bus.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported numerous patients at the scene, with several people transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Two of those injured were reported to be in critical condition.
Two People Killed in Chatsworth Bus Crash
The collision involved a Ford SUV and a Metro bus operating on Line 166.
The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles. Images from the scene showed the SUV heavily damaged and lodged into the side of the bus.
Firefighters later confirmed that two people died as a result of the collision.
According to information released by the Los Angeles Fire Department, one person was found dead inside the bus while another person who had been ejected from the bus also died.
The identities of the two people killed had not been released at the time of the available reports.
Major Rescue Operation at Nordhoff Street
The severity of the collision required a substantial emergency response.
People were trapped inside the Metro bus following the impact, requiring firefighters to use specialized equipment during the rescue operation.
At the height of the response, 56 firefighters were reportedly at the scene. An urban search and rescue team was also deployed to assist with the extrication effort.
The damage to the bus made access to some victims difficult, extending the emergency response while crews worked to separate the vehicles and reach those who needed assistance.
Chatsworth Crash Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fatal SUV and Metro bus collision |
| Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Time | Shortly after 5 p.m. |
| Location | Nordhoff Street near De Soto Avenue |
| Area | Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California |
| Vehicles involved | Ford SUV and Metro bus |
| Metro service | Line 166 |
| Deaths | 2 |
| Other injured | At least 6 hospitalized |
| Critical injuries | 2 reported critical |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Victim identities | Not immediately released |
| Road conditions | Area closed during emergency response |
Six Others Hospitalized After Collision
In addition to the two fatalities, at least six people were transported to local hospitals following the crash.
Two of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The available information does not provide a complete account of the current medical status of those hospitalized, and additional updates may be issued as treatment continues.
The number and severity of injuries made the incident a significant emergency for first responders.
Where Did the Chatsworth Accident Happen?
The crash occurred near the intersection of Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in the northwestern San Fernando Valley.
The area serves as an important route for motorists and public transportation users, and the crash occurred during the early evening period.
The surrounding area was closed as firefighters carried out rescue operations and investigators began examining the circumstances of the collision.
The closure affected motorists traveling through the intersection and surrounding streets.
Cause of Chatsworth Crash Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the collision.
Initial information indicated that the Metro bus may have been crossing the intersection when the SUV struck its left side. However, the precise sequence of events remains subject to investigation.
There has also been speculation about whether a traffic signal violation may have contributed to the collision, but authorities had not confirmed that any vehicle ran a red light.
No specific factor should therefore be identified as the cause of the crash until investigators complete their work.
Victims’ Identities Have Not Been Released
Officials had not immediately released the names, ages or genders of the two people who died.
It was also not immediately clear from the available information whether the deceased were passengers on the Metro bus, occupants of the SUV or otherwise involved in the collision.
Authorities typically release identifying information after notifications to relatives have been completed.
Further details could clarify the identities of those killed and provide additional information about the injured victims.
What Remains Unknown
Although authorities have confirmed important details about the crash, several questions remain unanswered.
These include:
- The identities of the two people who died
- Whether the deceased were bus passengers or SUV occupants
- The current condition of the hospitalized victims
- Whether the SUV driver survived
- The exact sequence of events leading to the collision
- Whether any traffic violation contributed to the crash
These details may become clearer as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Continues in Chatsworth
Investigators are expected to examine the crash scene, vehicle positions and other available evidence to determine what happened.
The intersection was expected to remain closed for an extended period while authorities processed the scene.
As the investigation continues, additional information may emerge concerning the circumstances of the collision and the people involved.
For now, the confirmed facts point to a devastating crash involving a Metro bus and an SUV that claimed two lives and injured several others.
Chatsworth Community Confronts Another Roadway Tragedy
For the families of those who died, the crash represents a sudden and deeply personal loss.
For the injured, recovery may continue long after the emergency response ends.
The incident also affected commuters and residents who encountered the road closures and emergency activity around Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue.
While investigators work to establish exactly what happened, attention remains on the two people who lost their lives and those who survived the collision.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available concerning the September 15, 2026, crash involving a Ford SUV and Metro bus near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. Authorities reported two fatalities and at least six people transported to hospitals, with two injured people reported to be in critical condition. The identities of the deceased and the exact cause of the collision had not been released in the available information. Any suggestion that a specific driver, traffic violation or other factor caused the crash should not be treated as confirmed unless established by authorities.