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HAWTHORNE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash with injuries shut down lanes on westbound Interstate 105 at the Crenshaw Boulevard off-ramp Wednesday afternoon, September 30, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved a light blue sedan and at least three other vehicles on the main line of the freeway. One caller reported being in a white sedan that was blocking a slow lane, and told dispatchers additional vehicles were involved but could not provide further details, the agency's traffic log shows.
A person who called in the crash reportedly said they were too afraid to move their vehicle out of traffic lanes, citing nearby construction work in the area. Fire crews were dispatched and radioed that they were on scene within roughly 20 minutes of the initial report, per the CHP log. The extent of injuries has not been released.
Caltrans Freeway Service Patrol units responded to assist with traffic control, and the CHP log shows the agency's incident was closed by early evening. It remains unclear how many people were hurt or whether any required hospital transport. The crash remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
A Common Misconception About Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crashes
Many drivers assume that chain-reaction crashes on freeways happen mainly because of excessive speed alone. The truth is more about spacing and reaction time than raw speed. When several vehicles are involved, the first impact often triggers a series of secondary collisions as following drivers run out of room to stop, regardless of how fast anyone was going at the moment of impact.
Another assumption is that these crashes are rare events tied to unusual road conditions, like construction zones or lane closures. In reality, any slowdown on a busy freeway, merging traffic, a stalled car, a sudden brake check, can set off a multi-vehicle pileup in ordinary conditions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes crashes involving a single vehicle and crashes involving many, a reminder that chain-reaction collisions are one piece of a much larger picture of roadway deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm involved in a multi-vehicle crash on a freeway?
If it's safe, move your vehicle out of traffic lanes to the shoulder. Staying in a live lane, especially out of fear of oncoming traffic, increases the risk of being struck again. Turn on hazard lights and call 911 to report the crash and any injuries.
What injuries are common in multi-vehicle car accidents?
Whiplash, back and neck strain, and bruising from seatbelts or airbags are common. Occupants can also be thrown against the interior of the vehicle during secondary impacts, which can cause head or chest injuries even at lower speeds.
What typically causes multi-vehicle crashes like this one?
Sudden braking, following too closely, distracted driving, and unexpected slowdowns from construction or congestion are frequent contributing factors. Investigators look at vehicle positions, speed, and driver statements to piece together how the chain of collisions started.
Does speed make these crashes worse?
Yes. Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of injury for everyone involved in a chain-reaction crash.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident in Hawthorne, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a busy freeway stretch in Hawthorne, try to move to the shoulder or a safe area, even if construction or heavy traffic makes it feel risky to merge over. Check on passengers and other drivers, and call 911 right away.
Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked by a medical provider. Some injuries, particularly from secondary impacts, don't show symptoms immediately. Remember to keep a record of what happened while it's fresh, including where you were on the freeway and what you observed, in case you need it later for insurance or reporting purposes.
