LA MESA, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 — Four people were hurt Saturday evening, October 25, when a pickup truck rolled over on westbound Interstate 8 near State Route 125, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said a Toyota Tacoma struck a Tesla and then overturned on the right shoulder of westbound I-8 just west of El Cajon. The truck reportedly went up an embankment before landing on its side or roof, per radio traffic from units at the scene. A driver and three juveniles were reported occupying the Tacoma.
The Tesla remained at the scene and was not found to be at fault, which noted the case was initially logged as a possible hit and run before being reclassified as a traffic collision once officers arrived. A bumper from one of the vehicles reportedly landed in the number one lane, and crews held one lane of traffic while the wreck was cleared.
Units requested paramedics to the scene, and a tow truck was called to remove the overturned pickup.
The crash remains under investigation. We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in La Mesa, CA
This crash happened at Interstate 8 and State Route 125 in La Mesa, CA. We cover crashes across San Diego County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our San Diego County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a vehicle roll over in a crash like this?
Rollovers often happen when a vehicle's tires catch an edge, curb, or embankment after a sideways skid or impact, causing it to tip rather than slide. Taller vehicles and trucks with a higher center of gravity are more prone to tipping than low sedans.
Are some roads more likely to see rollover crashes?
Yes. Highway shoulders, embankments, and interchanges, where vehicles can leave the roadway at speed, see more rollovers than straight, flat stretches of road.
What injuries are common after a rollover?
Occupants can suffer head, neck, and spinal injuries, along with broken bones, especially if they are thrown against the roof or windows during the roll. Seatbelt use significantly lowers the chance of being ejected.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in La Mesa, CA
If you're involved in a rollover, stay still for a moment and check yourself and any passengers for pain or injury before moving. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical provider soon afterward, since some injuries from a rollover don't show symptoms right away. Call 911 so the crash is documented, and if you can safely do so, take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any embankment or skid marks nearby. Get the names and contact information of anyone else involved or any witnesses, and ask for a copy of the official report once it's available. Give yourself time to recover and follow up with a doctor if pain, stiffness, or headaches develop in the days after the crash.