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GARDENA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — Three vehicles collided Saturday afternoon, September 26, on northbound I-110 near the West Rosecrans Avenue off-ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash involved a Scion, a Toyota hatchback and a Mercedes sedan, with at least one vehicle reported to have spun out before coming to rest blocking lanes near the right side of the freeway. The wreckage briefly obstructed the second lane from the right before additional vehicles became involved further back, blocking slower lanes as well.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. The extent of any injuries has not been released, though the response was consistent with a report of an injury collision. Authorities have not said whether anyone was taken to a hospital.
All northbound lanes were shut down for a time as crews worked to clear vehicles from the roadway, the California Highway Patrol said. By early afternoon, traffic was released; the two rightmost lanes and one additional lane remained closed as cleanup continued. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Slows Highway Pile-Ups Once the First Crash Happens
Speed is the difference between a fender-bender and a chain-reaction crash. At highway speeds, a driver who taps the brakes for a stopped car ahead needs several times the distance to react and stop compared with surface streets. When that space is not there, the first collision becomes the second and third almost immediately.
Road design plays a real role in how often this happens. Wider shoulders give a place for a disabled or damaged vehicle to get clear of moving lanes. Better lighting and clearer lane markings near off-ramps help drivers see trouble in time to slow down rather than react at the last second. Some agencies have also adjusted signal timing at ramp meters to reduce the sudden braking that clusters vehicles too closely together as they merge.
Driver behavior still matters most in the seconds after a crash occurs. Advocates for smoother traffic flow point to consistent following distance and earlier braking as the two habits that keep a single crash from multiplying into several. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023, a reminder of how often initial collisions on highways draw in vehicles that were not part of the original incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if traffic stops suddenly near a highway crash?
Slow down well before reaching stopped traffic and use hazard lights to alert drivers behind you. If possible, move fully onto the shoulder rather than stopping in a live lane.
How does poor visibility contribute to pile-ups?
Fog, glare, or smoke reduce the distance drivers can see ahead, which cuts down reaction time. Even brief visibility loss can prevent a driver from noticing stopped vehicles until it's too late to stop safely.
Why does following distance matter so much on the highway?
At highway speeds, stopping distance increases sharply. A gap of just two or three seconds behind the vehicle ahead often is not enough to avoid a collision if that vehicle brakes hard or is struck from behind.
Are secondary crashes common after an initial wreck?
Yes. Vehicles arriving on the scene of a fresh crash, especially at highway speed, often do not have enough warning or space to stop, which is why rapid lane closures and warning signage are critical in the minutes after a collision.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Gardena, CA
If you're involved in or near a multi-vehicle wreck on the highway, try to move to a safe area away from active lanes if your vehicle is drivable. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside your vehicle unless it's unsafe to do so. Even if you feel fine, a medical check afterward is worthwhile since some injuries, especially from sudden stops or impacts, aren't immediately obvious.
Exchange information with other drivers when it's safe, and file a report with responding officers. Photos of vehicle positions and damage can help clarify what happened once investigators complete their review. Gardena residents dealing with the aftermath of a highway crash should also keep any medical documentation in case it's needed later.
