ANAHEIM, Orange County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 5 near Harbor Boulevard left one person injured Thursday evening, October 22, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said the case was logged as a felony hit-and-run.
The collision was first reported shortly after 5:20 p.m. near the Harbor Boulevard junction, involving a black minivan and a blue sedan, the CHP said. Dispatch records show one party initially stayed at the scene while the other reportedly left the area, prompting responders to treat it as a hit-and-run.
One driver told dispatchers she was too afraid to get out of her vehicle and felt unsafe approaching the other party, who reportedly appeared upset, according to the CHP log. Investigators later upgraded the case from a non-injury hit-and-run to one involving injuries after further review.
Firefighters were called to check a patient at the scene, but the report indicates that person declined transport to a hospital. The CHP said its investigation into the crash remains active, and no arrests had been announced as of Thursday evening.
No further details on the vehicles' occupants or the circumstances leading up to the crash have been released.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Anaheim, CA
The crash was reported at Interstate 5 and Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our Anaheim accident resource page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps can drivers take to avoid crashes like this one?
Keeping a safe following distance, checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, and staying off the phone while driving all reduce the chance of a collision, especially in heavy freeway traffic.
What injuries commonly result from car crashes like this?
Even at moderate highway speeds, occupants can suffer whiplash, bruising from seatbelts or airbags, and soft-tissue injuries. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include following too closely, unsafe lane changes, distraction, and driver fatigue, all of which can play a role in freeway collisions.
Does speed make a difference in how severe a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in a collision, which generally leads to more serious injuries and vehicle damage.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Anaheim, CA
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, try to stay calm and move to a safe spot if your vehicle is drivable. Note anything you can about the other vehicle, such as its color, make, or partial plate number, and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth doing, since some injuries take hours to appear. File a report with local police or the CHP as soon as possible, and keep any documentation from the scene, including photos, witness names, and the officer's report number, in case you need it later.