EL CENTRO, Imperial County, Calif., Oct. 24, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash blocked the intersection of West Ross Road and Forrester Road Friday afternoon, October 23, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was reported injured.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash involved a Dodge Durango, a van and a Kia. A Dodge Durango reportedly came to rest in the intersection, creating a hazard for passing traffic, and the agency later reported one vehicle had rolled over, blocking both southbound and westbound lanes.
One patient was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center with reported injuries to the chest and neck and cuts and bruising to both hands, the CHP log shows. The extent of injuries to anyone else involved was not immediately known, and the agency listed injuries as unconfirmed for part of the response.
Fire crews and a tow truck were called to the scene, and the wrecked Durango was later removed by a towing company, according to dispatch logs. The intersection reopened once vehicles were cleared, though an exact time was not specified in the report.
The CHP has not released a cause for the crash. The incident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for El Centro, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported at West Ross Road and Forrester Road in El Centro. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Imperial County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fog or low visibility play a role in multi-vehicle pile-ups?
Reduced visibility, whether from fog, dust or glare, cuts the time drivers have to react to slowing or stopped traffic ahead, which can turn a single crash into a chain-reaction one. Investigators often look at visibility conditions when sorting out how a multi-vehicle crash unfolded.
Why does following distance matter so much in these crashes?
A safe following distance gives a driver time to brake before striking the vehicle ahead. When vehicles are bunched too closely, one sudden stop can trigger several collisions in quick succession.
Are secondary crashes common after a first wreck blocks the road?
Yes. A stopped or disabled vehicle in a travel lane creates a hazard for approaching traffic, which is why responders move quickly to block lanes and clear vehicles. Drivers approaching any crash scene should slow down well before reaching it.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes often harder to investigate?
With three or more vehicles involved, investigators have to reconstruct the order of impacts, figure out which vehicle struck which, and sort out contributing factors for each driver, which can take longer than a two-vehicle crash.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in El Centro, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe spot if you're able to and check on others nearby before doing anything else. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, especially to the neck, back or chest, can take hours to show up. Let responders document the scene before vehicles are moved or towed, and get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine at the time. Make sure to keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with your own doctor if any pain or stiffness develops in the days afterward.
