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ESSEX, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2026 — One person was hurt early Saturday morning, October 24, in a two-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 40 near mile marker 95.5, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly before 1:35 a.m. and involved a Ford F250 pulling a trailer and a white Toyota RAV4. The person who called in the crash reportedly said the Toyota struck the trailer and that its airbags deployed, but initially did not believe anyone needed medical attention.
Dispatch logs show the Toyota was left blocking the roadway and was treated as a traffic hazard while crews worked to clear the scene. The report was later upgraded to reflect that an ambulance had been requested, and one person was eventually transported to Colorado River Medical Center, authorities said.
About a half mile of the eastbound corridor was shut down for a time as crews attempted to move the disabled vehicle, and a tow truck was called to the scene. The roadway was reported fully cleared by roughly 3 a.m.
The incident remains under investigation. We hope those who were hurt recover fully.
More on Crashes in Essex, CA
This crash happened on Interstate 40 in Essex, CA. We cover crashes across San Bernardino County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our San Bernardino County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of car accidents like this one?
Rear-end and lane-change collisions involving commercial trailers or towed loads are often tied to following distance, speed, or a driver misjudging how much room a trailer needs to merge or stop.
How does speed affect the severity of a highway crash?
Higher speeds mean more distance needed to stop and more force at impact, which raises the chance of injury even in crashes that look minor at first.
Why is distracted driving a particular risk on interstates overnight?
Fatigue and reduced visibility at night can slow a driver's reaction time just as much as a phone or other distraction, making it harder to notice slowing or stopped vehicles ahead.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Essex, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a rural interstate stretch like this, move to the shoulder if the vehicle is drivable and turn on hazard lights right away. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since adrenaline can mask pain from airbag deployment or whiplash. Stay with your vehicle but away from moving traffic until help arrives, and get checked by a medical provider within a day or two even if you feel fine at the scene. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records once it becomes available.
