COTTONWOOD, Tehama County, Calif., Nov. 6, 2026 — Four vehicles collided on northbound Interstate 5 near the scales south of Cottonwood on Wednesday morning, Wednesday, November 4, according to the California Highway Patrol. One vehicle rolled over in the crash, and minor injuries were reported.
The crash was reported shortly after 8:20 a.m. in the northbound lanes near the Cottonwood scale facility, the CHP traffic log shows. Dispatch notes indicate the wreck may have involved a van and a box truck, with wreckage blocking lanes and spilling onto the right shoulder. A responding unit told dispatchers that all four vehicles were involved, one of them overturned, and that everyone on scene had been checked and had only minor injuries.
Traffic backed up in the area as crews worked to clear the scene, and a hazard was initially reported in the lanes before being cleared. Firefighters with Cal Fire responded along with CHP units and the Tehama County Sheriff's Office, which assisted with traffic control.
The log includes an unconfirmed note that a vehicle may have entered the roadway from the southbound side before the crash, and another entry suggesting a van was following too closely beforehand. Neither detail has been confirmed as a cause, and the CHP has not released a determination on what led to the collision. The incident remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Cottonwood, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Interstate 5 in Cottonwood, CA. We cover crashes across Tehama County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Tehama County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles are most prone to rolling over?
Taller, narrower vehicles such as vans, box trucks and SUVs have a higher center of gravity and are more likely to tip over in a sudden maneuver or impact than lower, wider passenger cars.
Does wearing a seat belt matter in a rollover?
Yes. A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown against the roof, windows or out of the vehicle as it rolls, which is where many of the more serious rollover injuries happen.
What is a "tripped" rollover?
That's when a vehicle's tires catch on something, such as a curb, soft shoulder or another car, causing it to tip over, rather than rolling from speed or a sharp turn alone. Many highway rollovers start this way after a side impact pushes a vehicle off the roadway.
