KING CITY, Monterey County, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 — A chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles snarled traffic on northbound US-101 at Thorne Road early on Monday morning, September 28. At least one injury was reported, though the full extent of harm to those involved has not been released.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was first reported shortly after 6:11 a.m. in the fast lane of northbound US-101 near Thorne Road. Initial reports described two vehicles involved, a silver Honda Accord and a blue Mini Cooper, both left on the right shoulder. A third vehicle, possibly a gray Honda sedan, reportedly braked to check on the other cars before continuing north.
Additional reports named a gray Toyota RAV4 and a silver Nissan Frontier pickup as also involved in the pileup. Investigators noted that a bumper had come to rest in the roadway, in the fast lane, and that occupants remained inside one vehicle when crews arrived. The vehicles were described as drivable, and a tow was requested to help clear the scene.
Fire crews were advised of the hazard in the number one lane at Thorne Road, and the incident was upgraded from a report of unknown injuries to a confirmed injury collision. Traffic backed up as far as Oak, according to a unit on scene, as responders worked to clear the roadway.
The circumstances that led to the chain of impacts remain under investigation. No further details on injuries, causes, or the number of people involved have been confirmed.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
When Chain-Reaction Crashes on the Highway Are Most Likely
Multi-vehicle pileups on freeways tend to cluster around the morning and evening commutes, when traffic is dense and following distances shrink. A sudden slowdown, a dropped object in the roadway, or a single fender-bender can trigger a cascade of rear-end impacts before drivers behind can react.
Low light plays a role, too. Crashes reported just after dawn or before sunset often involve glare or reduced visibility, conditions that make it harder to judge the speed of vehicles ahead. Wet pavement or fog can compound the problem, stretching stopping distances at the exact moment traffic is heaviest.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. Multi-vehicle incidents on high-speed highways add complexity for responders because each additional vehicle increases the chance that someone is caught outside a car, whether checking on others or standing near the shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes multi-vehicle pile-ups?
They typically start with one incident, a sudden stop, debris, or a single crash, that the following vehicles cannot avoid in time. Speed, tailgating, and reduced visibility all raise the odds that a small problem becomes a larger one.
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen so quickly?
On a busy highway, vehicles are often only a second or two apart. Once one driver brakes hard, everyone behind has to react almost simultaneously, and any delay or distraction can turn a near-miss into an impact.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in one?
Leaving extra space ahead, watching brake lights several cars up, and slowing early when traffic looks congested all give a driver more time to respond before a slowdown becomes a collision.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay inside the vehicle if it's safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and move to the shoulder only if the car is drivable and it's safe to merge. Call 911 to report the location and any hazards in the roadway.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in King City, CA
If you're involved in or near a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location away from live traffic lanes if your vehicle allows it, and turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and note details while they're fresh, including lane positions and what you observed before impact. A prompt medical evaluation is worth pursuing even after a low-speed crash, since impacts to the neck, back, or head aren't always obvious right away. Filing a report with the California Highway Patrol and keeping any documentation from the scene can help later if questions arise about what happened.
