Available 
ELK GROVE, Sacramento County, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash involving a big rig closed southbound SR-99 near the Laguna Boulevard off-ramp Sunday night, October 19, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person suffered major injuries, the agency said.
The CHP said the crash was first reported shortly before 8:30 p.m. as a semi truck colliding with an SUV, with two other vehicles also involved. Dispatch logs describe the tractor-trailer as jackknifed across the freeway, blocking all southbound lanes, and indicate one vehicle may have become lodged beneath the semi. A black Mercedes SUV was also reported blocking traffic.
Initial reports classified the collision as a minor-injury crash, but the CHP upgraded it to a major-injury collision shortly before 11:30 p.m.
Crews from Sacramento Fire were called to the scene to assist, and tow operators were requested for multiple disabled vehicles. The freeway was fully blocked for an extended period while CHP diverted traffic off at Laguna Boulevard, and crews worked through the evening to clear wreckage. Caltrans sent a sweeper truck to clean debris from the roadway. All lanes reopened by around 10:52 p.m.
The incident remains under investigation. We hope those who were hurt recover quickly.
More on Crashes in Elk Grove, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on SR-99 in Elk Grove, CA. We cover crashes across Sacramento County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Sacramento County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pile-ups like this one?
Chain-reaction crashes often start when one vehicle slows or stops suddenly and following traffic cannot react in time, especially when a large truck is involved and blocks multiple lanes.
Why do these crashes tend to involve so many vehicles?
Once a vehicle like a jackknifed semi blocks a freeway, vehicles arriving behind it have little warning and limited room to stop or maneuver, which can pull additional cars into the collision.
What should drivers do if they come up on a crash scene on the highway?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, watch for people and debris in the road, and keep a safe distance from stopped vehicles. If traffic is backed up, stay in your lane and wait for instructions from responders or signage instead of trying to merge quickly.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Elk Grove, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe location if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Check on passengers and call 911 to report injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries from a multi-vehicle collision don't show symptoms right away, so a medical evaluation afterward is a good idea. Exchange information with other drivers if possible, and take photos of the scene if you're able. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records once it becomes available.
