Available 
CHATSWORTH, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash with injuries was reported early on Monday morning, September 21, on eastbound State Route 118 at the De Soto Avenue on-ramp in Chatsworth, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was logged around 1:36 a.m. at the ramp connecting De Soto Avenue to eastbound SR-118. It was not immediately clear whether the involved vehicle was still drivable after the collision.
Details on how many people were hurt, the extent of their injuries, and a description of the vehicle or driver who left the scene have not been released. The CHP has not said whether anyone has been identified or located in connection with the crash.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about the vehicle involved is likely to be asked to contact the CHP as the search for the driver continues.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
How Hit-and-Run Investigations Move From the Scene to a Case File
When a driver leaves the scene of a crash, investigators first work to stabilize the injured and secure the area, usually before they can gather much evidence about the vehicle that fled. Officers canvass for surveillance or dashcam footage, look for paint transfer or debris left behind, and interview any witnesses who may have caught a partial plate number or a description of the car.
Identifying a driver who did not stay can take days or weeks, especially overnight on a freeway ramp where lighting and camera coverage vary. Investigators may run debris found at the scene through vehicle databases, check nearby traffic cameras, and follow up on tips from the public before an arrest or citation is possible.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80 percent of hit-and-run fatalities occurred in darkness in 2023. That pattern is one reason nighttime hit-and-run cases usually depend heavily on camera footage and physical evidence rather than eyewitnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and reduced visibility at night. On ramps and merge points, misjudged gaps and sudden lane changes also play a role.
Why does speed matter so much in a collision?
Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for a driver to react or stop. Even a modest increase in speed can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds, especially at highway speed, can mean traveling the length of a football field without full awareness of surroundings.
How do weather and road conditions factor into crashes like this?
Wet pavement, poor lighting, and reduced visibility all lengthen stopping distances and make it harder for drivers to react in time, particularly on ramps and merge lanes.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Chatsworth, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, try to move to a safe location and call 911 as soon as possible. Note any details you can, like the other vehicle's color, make, or partial plate number, but don't put yourself at risk chasing down information.
Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours or days to appear. File a report with the CHP or local police, and keep a copy for insurance purposes. If you have dashcam footage or saw something useful, share it with investigators, since even small details can help identify a driver who left the scene.
