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CITRUS HEIGHTS, Sacramento County, Calif., Oct. 29, 2026 — A head-on collision involving three vehicles shut down Auburn Boulevard at Pasadena Avenue late Tuesday night, October 27, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash blocked all lanes in both directions and prompted a request for a tow with reported injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved a sedan, a pickup truck and a Mini Cooper, and that the impact occurred head-on between at least two of the vehicles. A caller at the scene reported fire involvement near the intersection, and fire crews were notified to respond. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Traffic was routed around the crash site for an extended period as crews worked to clear the roadway. Three tow trucks were ultimately called to remove the vehicles, with the last one arriving more than an hour after the initial report, CHP dispatch logs show. The roadway reopened once the vehicles were cleared.
No cause has been confirmed. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash under case number 24721601, and no information on potential charges or contributing factors, including speed or impairment, has been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened at Auburn Boulevard and Pasadena Avenue in Citrus Heights, California. Our California intersections page covers intersection crashes across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a multi-vehicle pile-up?
Keeping a safe following distance, slowing down early when traffic ahead is braking, and watching several cars ahead can help drivers react before a chain-reaction crash develops.
What should I do if I come upon a crash blocking the road?
Slow down well before the scene, remember to turn on hazard lights to warn drivers behind you, and follow any instructions from officers or flaggers directing traffic around the blockage.
Why does following distance matter so much in a head-on or multi-vehicle crash?
A longer following distance gives a driver more time to brake or steer away if a vehicle ahead stops suddenly or crosses into oncoming traffic, which can prevent a chain collision or reduce its severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
