Long Beach, CA (February 13, 2026) – One person was injured on Thursday afternoon, February 12, in a traffic collision on the northbound 405 Fwy just south of Woodruff Ave in Long Beach.
Key Details
- Reported: Thursday, February 12 at 2:47 p.m.
- Location: Northbound 405 Fwy south of Woodruff Ave, Long Beach
- Type: Injury traffic collision
- Injuries: One person reported being down with back pain
- Response: Truck 17, Rescue 4, BLS 19, and additional units dispatched
What We Know So Far
- Emergency crews responded to the northbound lanes of the 405 Fwy south of Woodruff Ave for a reported injury crash.
- Dispatch information indicated one person was down and complaining of back pain.
- Multiple fire and medical units were sent to the scene to provide care and assist with traffic management.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The number of vehicles involved has not been released.
- The identity and condition of the injured person have not been disclosed.
- Authorities have not detailed what led to the collision.
Local Context
The northbound 405 Fwy near Woodruff Ave is a heavily traveled stretch of freeway in Long Beach, carrying commuters and commercial traffic throughout the day. Afternoon crashes in this corridor can quickly lead to congestion, especially when lanes are partially blocked. Freeway collisions often require coordinated response from fire, rescue, and medical personnel to stabilize injured individuals while ensuring scene safety amid ongoing traffic.
What to Do Next
- If you encounter a crash on the freeway, reduce speed gradually and watch for emergency vehicles.
- Maintain a safe following distance to help prevent secondary collisions.
- If you are injured and experiencing back pain after a crash, avoid sudden movement until evaluated by medical professionals.
- Follow directions from first responders and do not exit your vehicle unless it is safe to do so.
FAQ
Q: Why is back pain taken seriously after a crash?
A: Back pain can indicate possible spinal injury, which requires careful evaluation and stabilization to prevent further harm.
Q: Why do multiple units respond to freeway injury crashes?
A: Freeway incidents can involve high speeds and multiple vehicles, requiring fire crews, rescue personnel, and medical teams to manage the scene safely.
Q: Can traffic remain impacted after injured individuals are transported?
A: Yes. Lanes may remain restricted while vehicles are cleared and investigators document the scene.