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COSTA MESA, Orange County, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 — Two vehicles collided Tuesday morning, October 27, on northbound State Route 55 near the junction with State Route 73 in Costa Mesa, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash left debris across multiple lanes and caused minor injuries, the CHP reported.
The collision was reported shortly before 8 a.m. and involved what the CHP log described as a gray Jeep and a gray Nissan. Initial radio traffic also referenced a silver sedan striking a second vehicle, though the CHP's official classification settled on the Jeep and Nissan as the vehicles involved. The agency upgraded the incident from an unknown-injury collision to a minor-injury crash as units arrived on scene.
Debris scattered across all lanes in the area, and the right lane was blocked immediately after the crash, the CHP said. Traffic cameras later confirmed that two right lanes of northbound SR-55 remained blocked near the SR-73 interchange as cleanup continued. Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue requested two fire units to the scene, and a traffic break was called to allow emergency crews to work safely alongside moving traffic.
Tow trucks were later dispatched to clear the vehicles, based on rotation requests logged by dispatchers. The CHP has not released the number of people injured or the extent of their injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in California
This crash happened at State Route 55 and State Route 73 in Costa Mesa, CA. For more on crashes at intersections across California, see our intersection safety guide for California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Crashes are especially common at interchanges and junctions, where vehicles merge, slow down, or change lanes quickly, similar to the SR-55/SR-73 interchange involved here.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra following distance near interchanges, slowing down in congested merge areas, and staying alert for sudden braking ahead all help drivers react in time.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Even in crashes described as minor, people often suffer whiplash, bruising, or soft-tissue injuries from sudden stops or impacts, so a medical check afterward is worthwhile.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, following too closely, and misjudging merging traffic are frequent factors in collisions at busy interchanges.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Costa Mesa, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a freeway interchange, try to move to a safe area if the vehicle is drivable and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later. Exchange information with the other driver and note any road debris or lane closures that may have contributed to the crash. Once you're safe, a follow-up visit with a doctor can help catch injuries that aren't immediately obvious, such as whiplash or concussion symptoms.
