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ANAHEIM, Orange County, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 — One person was taken to a hospital after a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon, September 21, on northbound Interstate 5 near Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a black Hyundai Ion and a white Scion, both left on the right shoulder afterward, the California Highway Patrol reported. Both vehicles were reportedly disabled and unable to leave the scene under their own power.
One person was transported to UCI Medical Center for treatment, CHP said. Another vehicle involved in the crash was able to leave the area on its own, according to the agency's log. The extent of the injuries has not been released.
Traffic units on scene requested a tow truck to clear a vehicle from the right shoulder near Harbor Boulevard. An initial tow company reported being full, and dispatchers sought another rotation tow before one was confirmed en route with an estimated arrival of several minutes. The roadway was reported clear a short time later.
The CHP has not released further details on what led to the crash. The incident remains under review.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What the Numbers Show About Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Freeways
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure reflects only one category of vehicle, but it points to a broader pattern: crashes involving more than one vehicle tend to produce more injuries per incident than single-vehicle collisions, simply because more people are exposed to the impact.
Freeway corridors like Interstate 5 see a steady mix of merging traffic, lane changes, and speed differences between vehicles, all of which raise the odds of a multi-car crash. When a collision does happen on a busy freeway, disabled vehicles left in travel lanes or on the shoulder can also create secondary hazards until tow crews arrive and the scene is cleared.
Emergency responders and tow operators working freeway shoulders face real risk from passing traffic, which is part of why California law requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped emergency and service vehicles wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road surface conditions affect crash risk?
Wet pavement, glare, and reduced visibility all increase stopping distances and reduce traction, making rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes more likely, especially at freeway speeds.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver. Document the scene with photos if you're able to safely do so.
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
A large share of crashes occur on busy urban roads and freeway interchanges, where merging traffic, lane changes, and speed differences between vehicles raise the risk of collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Anaheim, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a busy freeway in Anaheim, try to move your vehicle out of traffic lanes if it's drivable and safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside the vehicle if you're stopped on a shoulder with fast-moving traffic nearby. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is hurt, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, so it's worth getting checked by a medical professional afterward. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records and follow up with your insurance company once you're safe.
