Fatal SUV, MTA Bus Crash at Nordhoff and De Soto Avenues in Chatsworth
Daniel Castillo, 46, was Bus Passenger Killed; Gage Weida, 31, Died on Street
CHATSWORTH, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2026) — Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31, have been identified as the two who died Tuesday in a crash between a silver SUV and a Metro bus at Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue in Chatsworth.
The crash happened on Sept. 15th shortly after 5 p.m. in the 20900 block of West Nordhoff Street, at De Soto Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Authorities determined the bus was traveling eastbound on Nordhoff Street when it was T-boned by the southbound Ford Expedition SUV traveling on northbound De Soto Avenue.
Police later arrested Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, of Simi Valley, who was driving the SUV. She was reportedly driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road. She then ran a red light and crashed into the side of the bus. Authorities believe she was DUI at the time of the deadly crash. She was among at least six injured and was arrested after her release from the hospital, the LAPD said. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division reported she was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held in lieu of $4.03 million bail. She has previous drug convictions and has driven on a suspended license, according to Ventura County Court Records.
The force of the impact ripped open the side of the bus and ejected one passenger and partially ejected another. Numerous people were injured. Firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene as crews worked to assess victims and get them out of the wreckage.
One woman was reportedly trapped inside the Metro Line 166 bus. Firefighters spent time working to extricate her before successfully freeing her and transferring her to an ambulance. Her condition was not immediately known, although responders described her injuries as potentially severe.
Multiple fire engines and ambulances converged on the crash site as emergency crews treated victims and transported injured people to hospitals.
Injured? Call Attorney James Johnson: 1-800-208-3538
Don’t face the insurance company alone. If you or a loved one was injured because of another driver’s negligence, call Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group: 1-800-208-3538. You’ll speak with our team about your accident, and Attorney James Johnson can discuss your legal options with you. We can request the police report and help you understand what your claim may be worth and what steps you should consider taking next. There’s no obligation to hire us. There’s no fee unless we win your case. Insurance companies have lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve someone on your team, too. Johnson Attorneys Group is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
