Reckless Maneuver Kills Two Women in Moorpark

MOORPARK, CA — A Saturday afternoon drive turned into a nightmare on State Route 23 when a high-speed attempt to bypass weekend traffic resulted in a violent, head-on collision.

On February 28, 2026, two women were killed and three others seriously injured in what witnesses and authorities are describing as a case of extreme driver negligence.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:05 PM on the northbound lanes near Los Angeles Avenue, bringing the busy freeway to a standstill for several hours.

**The "Median Passing" Maneuver

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the chain of events was triggered by the driver of a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 traveling southbound.

The Stunt: Witnesses reported the truck was using the center median/shoulder to speed past slower traffic at a high rate of speed.

• The Launch: The driver lost control of the heavy pickup, striking a dirt embankment. The force launched the vehicle over the center median guardrail and directly into the path of oncoming northbound traffic.
• The Impact: The Silverado slammed head-on into a 2013 Lexus ES350. The collision was so severe that at least one person was ejected from their vehicle.

The Victims: Families Shattered

Ventura County Fire Department paramedics arrived to find a chaotic scene. Despite life-saving efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the site:

• The Silverado Passenger: A 22-year-old woman from Los Angeles who was riding in the truck that jumped the median.
• The Lexus Driver: A 42-year-old woman from Granada Hills who was simply commuting in the northbound lanes when her car was struck.
• The Survivors: Three others were rushed to a nearby hospital with major injuries. Among them is reportedly the 10-year-old daughter of the Lexus driver, whose recovery is being closely monitored by the local community.

Investigation and Outrage

In a detail that has sparked significant public anger, the CHP confirmed that the driver of the Silverado, who survived the crash, underwent field sobriety tests at the scene.

Investigators stated that impairment does not appear to be a factor, suggesting the tragedy was the result of "pure recklessness" rather than drugs or alcohol.

While no formal arrests have been announced as of March 2, 2026, the case remains under active investigation by the CHP and the Ventura County District Attorney's office.

Local residents have flooded social media with calls for "vehicular manslaughter" charges, noting that the 23 Freeway has seen a rise in dangerous median-passing maneuvers in recent months.