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GARDEN GROVE, Orange County, Calif., Oct. 2, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash with minor injuries blocked the eastbound SR-22 HOV lane near Euclid Street in Garden Grove, according to the California Highway Patrol. The wreck was reported on Thursday afternoon, October 1.
The California Highway Patrol said a Ford Focus, a Honda Civic, and a Lexus were involved in the collision on eastbound SR-22 at Euclid Street. All three vehicles reportedly came to rest in the center divider area after the crash, according to the CHP traffic log.
Fire crews responded and blocked the HOV lane while working the scene, the agency reported. The crash was logged as involving minor injuries, and at least one person was reportedly checked at the scene. No further details on injuries have been released.
A tow truck was requested to remove one of the vehicles, and the CHP log noted it was later on its way with a vehicle in tow. The agency closed its incident report by mid-afternoon. The exact cause of the crash has not been released and remains under review.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
How Investigators Piece Together a Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crash
When a crash involves three or more vehicles, officers first have to establish the sequence: which vehicle struck which, and in what order. On a freeway with an HOV lane, that often means measuring skid marks, photographing final rest positions, and speaking with each driver individually before anyone's account is locked in.
Full reports on multi-vehicle crashes can take weeks, not because agencies are slow, but because reconstruction work takes time. Traffic data, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements all have to be cross-checked. If a tow-away or injury threshold is met, that review tends to be more thorough than a simple fender bender.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that investigators must account for everyone at a scene, not just the people behind the wheel, when reconstructing what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm stopped in traffic near a crash on the freeway?
Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on unless you're told otherwise, turn on your hazard lights, and watch your mirrors. Stopping traffic near a crash scene is often where secondary collisions happen.
Are secondary crashes common after an initial wreck?
Yes. Traffic backing up behind a crash, especially in an HOV lane with higher speeds, creates a second hazard zone. Drivers approaching slowed or stopped traffic too fast is a frequent cause of follow-up collisions.
Why does following distance matter so much on the freeway?
More space between vehicles gives a driver time to react if traffic ahead suddenly slows or stops. In multi-vehicle crashes, a short following distance often causes one impact to turn into several.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Garden Grove, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe area if you're able and call 911 to report injuries. Exchange information with other drivers, but avoid discussing fault at the scene.
Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked by a medical provider. Some injuries, especially from secondary or chain-reaction impacts, don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the CHP incident number for your records and follow up with the agency once a full report is available.
