Imperial County, CA (February 4, 2026) – A deadly multi-vehicle traffic accident was reported Monday evening on State Route 111 near McCabe Road in Imperial County. According to the California Highway Patrol, emergency crews were called to the scene at approximately 5:10 p.m. after a collision involving three vehicles. Responders located multiple individuals involved in the crash, with several victims suffering severe injuries. Despite emergency response efforts, three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while others were treated for injuries.
Key Details
- Location: Imperial County, CA
- Where: SR 111 near McCabe Rd
- Type: Multi-vehicle accident with fatalities
- Reported: February 2, 2026, about 5:10 p.m.
- Injuries: Fatality confirmed, additional injuries reported
- Responding Agency: California Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred on State Route 111 north of McCabe Road.
- A northbound Lincoln MKZ crossed into southbound lanes and collided with a Nissan Rogue.
- A Honda Accord traveling southbound then struck the Lincoln.
- Three people were killed, and two others were treated for minor injuries.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The names of all individuals involved have not been released.
- Investigators have not confirmed contributing factors to the collision.
- Whether impairment played a role remains unclear.
Local Context
State Route 111 is a well-traveled corridor in Imperial County, connecting communities such as El Centro and Calexico and carrying steady traffic throughout the day. Sections of the highway near McCabe Road include opposing directions of travel separated by a dirt median, which can become part of collision scenes when vehicles leave their lanes. When serious crashes occur along this stretch of SR 111, responders often need significant space to manage injured parties, document vehicle positions, and secure the roadway. Activity in the area can be noticeable to nearby drivers until investigations are completed and vehicles are cleared.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders while they assess injuries and document the incident.
- If it is safe to do so, write down what you observed while details are still fresh.
- Monitor traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can occur after serious crashes.
FAQ
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: These crashes often involve multiple damaged vehicles, injured parties, and extensive documentation, which can extend scene time.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means authorities are still reviewing evidence and reports to determine how the collision occurred.
Q: Can investigations continue after the roadway reopens?
A: Yes, officials may continue reviewing evidence and findings even after traffic resumes.
