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Long Beach, CA (July 20, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision disrupted northbound I-405 just south of the Atlantic Avenue on-ramp shortly before 12:50 a.m. on July 18, prompting a large emergency response and significant traffic delays.
According to initial police reports, a white Honda Civic and a black minivan were involved in the crash. Dispatch logs later indicated that additional vehicles may also have been involved farther ahead, although that had not been confirmed. One vehicle came to rest sideways across the middle lanes, while another blocked the HOV lane. A separate gray Toyota was also reported in the area, though it was unclear whether it was part of the same sequence of events.
Emergency units were sent to the freeway after reports of vehicles blocking multiple lanes and possible injuries. Traffic briefly came to a complete stop as crews worked to reach those involved and clear the roadway. Tow trucks were requested to remove the damaged vehicles, and lane closures remained in place during the cleanup.
The extent of any injuries has not been released; however, the cause of the collision remains under investigation as additional details continue to emerge.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we hope those who were hurt make a full recovery.
Why Can Multi-Vehicle Freeway Collisions Become So Complex?
Crashes involving multiple vehicles on busy freeways usually create challenging conditions because traffic moves at high speeds and drivers have little time to react. A single disabled vehicle can quickly lead to secondary impacts, especially when lanes become blocked or visibility is reduced by stopped traffic.
Investigators typically review vehicle positions, roadway markings, witness accounts, and any available camera footage to better understand the sequence of events. Damage patterns on each vehicle may also help determine how the chain of impacts unfolded. Even when early reports suggest several vehicles were involved, the total number can change as more information is verified. Careful documentation helps ensure that the circumstances surrounding a freeway collision are accurately reconstructed before conclusions are reached.
