BERKELEY, Alameda County, Calif., Nov. 7, 2026 — One person suffered minor injuries on Friday afternoon, November 6, when four vehicles collided in the Berkeley Hills, closing part of Marin Avenue. Berkeley police responded to the crash near Spruce Street.
The collision happened around 2:30 p.m. in the 900 block of Marin Avenue, near its intersection with Spruce Street, according to Berkeley police. Preliminary witness accounts cited by police indicate a westbound driver on Marin Avenue swerved and struck a vehicle headed north on Spruce Street.
Police said the same westbound driver then continued along Marin Avenue and hit an eastbound vehicle head-on before colliding with a second eastbound vehicle. In all, four vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash.
One person suffered a minor injury, police said. All of the drivers stayed at the scene. Marin Avenue was shut down in the area while crews waited for tow trucks to clear the damaged vehicles.
Authorities said a mechanical problem with the westbound vehicle may have contributed to the crash, though the cause remains under investigation. Police said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Alameda County
This multi-vehicle crash happened on 900 Marin Avenue in Berkeley, CA. For other recent crashes near Berkeley, CA, visit our Alameda County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a chain-reaction crash?
Keeping a safe following distance and staying alert to sudden lane changes or swerving vehicles ahead gives drivers more time to react and brake safely.
What should I do if I come upon a crash scene on the road?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, watch for people on foot or in the roadway, and follow any directions from police or emergency crews on site.
Why does following distance matter so much in multi-vehicle crashes?
A longer gap between vehicles gives drivers more room to stop or steer around trouble, which can prevent one vehicle's mistake from triggering a pileup involving several more.