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HEMET, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 — Three vehicles collided on Monday afternoon, October 26, on State Route 74 near Ramona Expressway and Mountain Avenue in Hemet. At least one person was reported injured.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first logged as a traffic hazard shortly before 12:45 p.m. near a Chevron station along the highway. A gray Kia Soul, a Chevy Colorado, and a third vehicle whose make was not released were involved.
Fire crews were requested to the scene within minutes, and medics also responded. The collision was later reclassified from a possible injury call to a confirmed minor-injury crash, the California Highway Patrol said.
It was not immediately clear how many people were hurt or how severe the injuries were. The circumstances that led to the three-vehicle collision remain under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Hemet, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on State Route 74 in Hemet. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Riverside County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a pile-up involving several vehicles?
Multi-vehicle crashes usually start with one vehicle slowing suddenly or stopping in traffic, then other drivers behind it run out of room or time to react, especially at higher speeds on highways.
Why do these chain-reaction collisions happen so fast?
Once the first impact occurs, following vehicles usually have only a second or two to respond, so following too closely or being distracted can turn one crash into several.
What should I do if traffic ahead of me is stopped because of a wreck?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, turn on hazard lights to warn drivers behind you, and leave space in case you need to move around debris or emergency vehicles.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Hemet, CA
If you're involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, stay inside your car if it's unsafe to get out, and turn on hazard lights if you can. Check yourself and passengers for injuries before stepping into traffic. Call 911 even if damage looks minor, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Exchange information with other drivers if it's safe to do so, and let officers at the scene document the vehicles and positions involved. Afterward, see a doctor for a checkup even if you feel fine, and keep any paperwork from the response for your records.
