1 Dead, 3 Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 46 Near Paso Robles

One Dead, Three Injured in Head-On Crash on SR-46 Near Highway 1

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (June 8, 2026) — A male passenger, identified as Cesar Pena Estrada, 29, died in a head-on collision Sunday morning near Paso Robles on Highway 46 West near Highway 1, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash, which occurred just before 9:40 a.m. on June 7th, happened on State Route 46 when an eastbound driver in a Ford Mustang reportedly crossed into the westbound lane. The car then collided head-on with a Dodge Ram pickup truck towing a fifth-wheel trailer, CHP officials said.

Sadly, a male passenger from the Mustang suffered major injuries and died at the scene. Meanwhile, the male driver of the Mustang suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Adventist Health Sierra Vista in San Luis Obispo. Both of the males traveling in the Mustang are from Cambria.

Detectives working on the case believe that alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

Two others riding in the truck sustained minor injuries and moderate injuries following the collision. They were both taken to Adventist Health Sierra Vista for treatment.

The collision forced the closure of Highway 46 West for several hours and the westbound lanes reopened shortly before 1 p.m., followed by eastbound traffic a short time later.

The crash remains under investigation.

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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).