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EL CAJON, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 11, 2026 — A driver was reportedly trapped inside a vehicle after a three-vehicle crash Saturday evening, October 10, on Dehesa Road near Sycuan Casino. The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved a black Toyota RAV4 and two silver SUVs.
The crash was reported around 6:56 p.m. near 2805 Dehesa Rd., according to CHP radio traffic. A traffic hazard was initially called in before the report was updated to a collision with a person trapped inside one of the vehicles.
CHP logs indicate at least one occupant could not get out of their vehicle without help, and crews requested tow trucks for both the RAV4 and one of the silver SUVs. A rotation tow company was dispatched to clear the scene. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Traffic in the area was affected as emergency crews worked the scene, and CHP asked that vehicles headed to the nearby casino be allowed through the area as needed. It's unclear how long the roadway was affected or whether any lanes were closed outright.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. CHP has not said whether speed, impairment or another factor contributed, and the collision remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What Makes a Multi-Vehicle Crash on a Road Like Dehesa Road So Damaging
The severity of a crash involving three vehicles often comes down to closing speed and the order in which impacts happen. A vehicle struck from one direction and then pushed into another absorbs force twice, often from angles its structure wasn't built to handle in sequence. Door frames, pillars and floor pans are engineered to manage a single frontal or side impact, not a secondary hit that arrives a half-second later from a different direction.
Weight and size differences between vehicles also matter. When a sedan or compact SUV collides with a larger SUV or truck, the smaller vehicle typically absorbs more of the crash energy. That mismatch can jam doors shut or collapse the space around pedals and seats, which is often why occupants become trapped even in crashes that don't look severe from the outside.
Impairment and fatigue remain two of the most persistent factors behind crashes like this one, regardless of road type or time of day. A driver who is tired or under the influence reacts later, brakes later, and often fails to adjust speed for traffic ahead, turning what might have been a near miss into a chain-reaction collision. Investigators routinely check for both in multi-vehicle crashes because the pattern, a rear driver failing to slow in time, shows up again and again in crash data.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Wet pavement, glare, fog or poor lighting all reduce how quickly a driver can see hazards and stop safely. Even dry, familiar roads can turn risky at dusk or after dark when visibility drops suddenly.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the scene and vehicle damage before cars are moved or towed, if it's safe to do so.
Where do most traffic collisions happen?
Crashes cluster at intersections, on curves, and on roads with mixed speeds, such as routes connecting highways to local destinations. Sudden slowing or merging in these spots is a common trigger for chain-reaction collisions.
What to Do After a Car Crash in El Cajon, CA
If you're involved in a crash in El Cajon, start by checking on everyone involved and calling for medical help if anyone is hurt or can't get out of a vehicle safely. Try to stay as calm as possible and avoid moving an injured person unless there's an immediate danger, like fire.
Once everyone is safe, don't forget to get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine. Some injuries, especially from secondary impacts, don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case you need them later for insurance purposes.
