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Costa Mesa, CA (September 10, 2026) – One person was injured after a crash involving a black BMW and a gray SUV Tuesday, September 8, on northbound State Route 55 near State Route 73 in Costa Mesa.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 7:56 a.m. Both vehicles were reported blocking the slow lane, and neither vehicle was drivable. The incident initially carried an unknown-injury classification before CHP requested a fire response for one person with a chest injury.
The vehicles were blocking the roadway with no shoulder available in the area. Motorists were advised to exit toward southbound SR-73 and use a nearby gas station while crews responded. Two tow trucks were subsequently requested to remove the damaged vehicles.
Our thoughts are with the victim in this crash and their loved ones. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Disabled Vehicles on Freeways?
A disabled vehicle can create a serious hazard when it remains in an active freeway lane. Drivers approaching stopped or damaged vehicles should reduce their speed as soon as possible and watch for sudden lane changes by surrounding traffic. Leaving additional following distance can provide more time to react when a lane becomes blocked.
Freeway shoulders are not always available, and some sections provide very little room between moving traffic and a disabled vehicle. Motorists should avoid making abrupt maneuvers and should follow traffic signs or directions from roadway personnel when lanes are blocked. Checking mirrors before changing lanes is especially important when traffic is moving around an obstruction.
If your vehicle becomes disabled you should move to a safe location when it is possible to do so without creating another hazard. Emergency flashers can help make a stopped vehicle more visible, particularly in low-light conditions. Other motorists should give tow operators and emergency crews plenty of space while damaged vehicles are being removed.
