LATHROP, San Joaquin County, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash with major injuries shut down northbound I-5 at Lathrop Road early on Monday morning, October 26, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first reported as a vehicle stopped in the number one lane before a second car was struck. At least one vehicle caught fire after being hit again while stopped in the roadway, and Stockton Fire units responded as a precaution before confirming the blaze. A caller reportedly told dispatchers that fire crews were working to pull a person from one of the vehicles.
Investigators reported the collision as a major-injury crash involving two vehicles, and both people involved were transported to San Joaquin General Hospital. One of the vehicles involved was reported as a Ford. Scanner traffic also referenced a possible third vehicle and a semi-truck in connection with the incident, though that has not been confirmed.
All lanes of northbound I-5 were blocked for a period overnight while crews worked the scene, with the number one lane reopened by around 4:36 a.m. Tow trucks were called in to clear wreckage, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
Intersection Safety in California
The crash was reported at I-5 and Lathrop Road in Lathrop. Readers following crash news in San Joaquin County can find more about intersections across the state on our guide to California intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car accidents happen?
Many serious crashes occur on highways and major roadways during high-traffic periods, including early morning and evening commute hours, when speeds are higher and visibility can be reduced.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash and other neck and back strain, head injuries, broken bones, and cuts from broken glass or debris. Major-injury crashes can also involve internal injuries that require immediate hospital care.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Lathrop, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a highway like I-5, try to get your vehicle out of active lanes if it's safe to do so, and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call 911 right away and wait for help in a safe location away from moving vehicles. Once the scene is cleared, follow up with a doctor for a full evaluation, keep copies of any police report, and hold onto medical records and repair estimates in case you need them later for insurance purposes.
