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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Orange County, Calif., Nov. 13, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash injured at least one person on Thursday afternoon, November 12, in the express lanes of northbound I-405 just north of Brookhurst Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a white Lexus SUV, a gray Mercedes SUV and at least one additional vehicle. Early radio traffic described a white SUV colliding with multiple other vehicles before one came to rest in the center median, blocking carpool and express lanes in the area.
At least one person was reported trapped in a vehicle, and airbags deployed in at least one of the vehicles involved. A caller told the CHP that a black BMW had been driving recklessly and cut off another vehicle, causing it to swerve into the carpool lane and strike another car, though that account has not been independently confirmed by investigators.
A tow truck was requested to clear the scene, and fire crews responded to extinguish a small fire connected to the crash. All lanes had reopened by the early afternoon after being blocked for a period. The extent of injuries beyond the trapped occupant has not been released. The CHP continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Fountain Valley and Across California
This multi-vehicle crash happened at I-405 and Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley, CA. We follow crashes at intersections across California, and our California intersection crash page brings that information together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pile-ups like this one?
Chain-reaction crashes usually start when one driver brakes suddenly, changes lanes unsafely, or loses control, leaving following vehicles too little room to stop or swerve safely.
Why do these chain-reaction crashes happen so quickly?
High speeds and closely spaced traffic mean a single sudden move by one vehicle can trigger a sequence of collisions involving several more cars within seconds.
What should drivers do if they're stopped near a crash on the highway?
Turn on hazard lights, stay inside the vehicle if it's safe to do so, and move as far from traffic lanes as possible while waiting for help to arrive.
What are common injuries in multi-vehicle crashes?
Occupants frequently suffer whiplash, head and chest injuries from airbag deployment, and in more serious cases, injuries from being trapped inside a damaged vehicle.
