Sims, CA (August 13, 2026) – Two vehicles were involved in a wreck on Interstate 5 near Sims Road on Thursday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol reported the wreck around 2:38 p.m. on the southbound I-5 on-ramp at Sims Road.
The vehicles included a Lexus SUV and a semi-truck. The Lexus was later found on its wheels on the shoulder with major damage, and a tow was requested for the SUV. Minor injuries were reported in the initial CHP information.
Emergency units were notified, and the Black Butte area was also contacted during the response. No names or further details about those involved were included in the initial report. The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with those hurt as they recover.
What Can Cause Crashes on Highway On-Ramps?
On-ramps can create challenging driving conditions because vehicles must merge into traffic while changing speed. Drivers entering a freeway need to watch traffic ahead, check surrounding lanes, and adjust their speed before merging.
Large trucks also require more distance to stop and have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Drivers traveling near them should avoid lingering alongside the truck and should allow extra following distance.
Road conditions, traffic flow, visibility, and driver actions can all affect how an accident develops. Vehicle damage can also provide information about the direction and force of a collision. Injuries may range from minor to severe, depending on vehicle speeds, restraint use, and the point of contact between vehicles.
