One person was killed and two others were injured after an SUV crashed down an embankment in the Meiners Oaks area of Ojai in Ventura County, early Friday morning, December 19, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported around 12:45 a.m. near Fairview Road east of Camp Ramah Road. Officers located the vehicle shortly after 1:00 a.m. on its side down an embankment.
Investigators said the driver of a Ford Explorer was traveling westbound on Fairview Road when the vehicle failed to negotiate a left turn, struck a fence, rolled down an embankment, hit a tree, and came to rest on its left side.
CHP reported the driver was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver’s identity was not released pending notification of next of kin. One passenger was transported to a hospital with major injuries, and a second passenger was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Authorities said both passengers were extricated from the vehicle. CHP stated that all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, and it was not immediately known whether alcohol or drugs were factors.
The crash remains under investigation by the CHP Ventura Area office.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.