Available 
INGLEWOOD, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 2, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-405 near Florence Avenue left at least one person hurt on Thursday afternoon, October 1. The California Highway Patrol is treating the case as a felony hit-and-run.
A white SUV was reported blocking an on-ramp and was involved with several other vehicles in the nearby lanes. A caller told dispatchers they had seen the crash happen behind them, and a white Toyota sedan was also reported blocking a lane in the same area, authorities said.
Responding units reported that multiple vehicles were involved and that people were out of their cars on the right shoulder. The CHP's Freeway Service Patrol later relocated at least one vehicle to the northbound connector near La Tijera Boulevard, and a tow company was called to clear the scene. Investigators said two vehicles were confirmed to be involved in the hit-and-run, with the extent of injuries still being assessed as the investigation continued.
The CHP closed its official response by early afternoon, listing the incident as a felony hit-and-run with injuries. No arrests or suspect description had been released as of this writing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Where Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups Tend to Start on the Freeway
Crashes involving several vehicles in a short span often begin in predictable spots: on-ramps and the lanes just past them, where merging traffic slows suddenly, and following drivers have little warning. A single stopped or slow-moving vehicle near a ramp can trigger a chain reaction as cars behind react late, especially in the right lanes, where entering traffic competes for space.
Wide urban freeway segments with multiple lanes, such as stretches of I-405 through dense parts of Los Angeles County, experience frequent lane-blocking incidents because traffic volume remains high for most of the day. When one vehicle stops or slows in a travel lane rather than reaching the shoulder, the risk of a secondary or tertiary collision rises quickly, particularly in the lanes closest to on- and off-ramps.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer to these pile-ups. A driver who leaves the scene removes information investigators need and can also leave other damaged vehicles blocking lanes longer, increasing the odds that a slow-moving crash scene turns into a bigger one. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 200,000 vehicle occupants were injured in hit-and-run crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen on freeways like this?
They usually start with one vehicle slowing, stopping, or stalling in a travel lane. Drivers behind often don't have enough time or space to react, especially near ramps where traffic is merging or exiting, and the result can be several vehicles striking each other in sequence.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Move as far onto the shoulder as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle with a seatbelt on if it's safe to do so. Walking along active lanes to exchange information or check damage raises the risk of being struck by another vehicle.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pile-up?
Keeping a longer following distance, especially near ramps and merge points, gives more time to react if traffic ahead slows suddenly. Watching brake lights several cars ahead, rather than just the vehicle directly in front, can also provide earlier warning.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Hit-and-Run Crash in Inglewood, CA
If you're involved in a crash where another driver leaves the scene, try to note any details you can, such as a license plate, vehicle color, or direction of travel, and report them to responding officers as soon as possible. Even partial information can help investigators later.
Seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain from a freeway collision, and some injuries, including whiplash or internal bruising, aren't obvious right away. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with the agency if new information about the fleeing driver becomes available.
