KTLA

Drivers rescued after Highway 126 buried by mud, debris

Highway 126 remains closed in Ventura County Tuesday morning as mud and debris remains on the roadway.

Officials with the California Highway Patrol announced the closure on Monday night and included the roadway between Fillmore city limits to Fairview Canyon.


Multiple vehicles, according to a tweet by CHP Moorpark, became stuck on the road, including a semi truck, Monday night.

By Tuesday morning, about 6 to 8 inches of water, rocks and mud remained on the road, which was an improvement over the previous 3 feet of debris, according to KTLA’s Eric Spillman.

The closure of the two miles stretch of highway also left dozens of commuters trapped in their cars with no way to get home.

Truck driver Luis Magana told KTLA that he was prepared to spend the night in his truck, as “we’re not going to be able to get back today.”

“Everything’s closed down. So, I live right here in Santa Paula, trying to get back home, but looks like I’m going to have to sleep on the side of the road today,” he said.

No one had to spend the night stuck on the 126, however, as authorities were able to pull all vehicles free by late Monday night, according to the CHP.

A portion of Highway 126 was closed after several vehicles became stuck in the mud on Jan. 9, 2023. (CHP)

It remains unclear when the highway will reopen.