Available 
LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, CA, Sept. 24, 2026 — One person died Wednesday night, September 23, in a multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway in Long Beach, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision happened just west of the Long Beach (710) Freeway interchange.
The crash occurred around 10:19 p.m. and reportedly involved a black Tesla and a burgundy Honda, the CHP said. Two additional vehicles were possibly involved, according to the agency.
The CHP said there was possibly a person in the roadway at the time of the collision, though it has not confirmed whether that person is the one who was pronounced dead at the scene. That detail remains unresolved as the investigation continues.
A SigAlert was issued following the crash, closing lanes on the eastbound freeway. All lanes reopened around 1:51 a.m. Thursday, according to the CHP.
No further details on the cause of the crash or the identities of those involved have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Where Freeway Pile-Ups Involving Pedestrians Tend to Happen
Crashes that start with a pedestrian in a travel lane concentrate on freeways with high-speed through traffic and limited lighting after dark, especially near interchanges where vehicles are merging, weaving, or braking unexpectedly. Drivers have little time to react to an unexpected obstacle in a lane designed for continuous, high-speed flow.
Interchange zones like the one where the 91 meets the 710 add another layer of risk. Lane changes cluster there, sightlines shorten, and a stopped or disabled vehicle, or a person outside a vehicle, can be difficult to spot until it's too late to avoid a chain-reaction collision involving several cars.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Multi-vehicle freeway crashes of the kind reported in Long Beach share the same components: high closing speeds, an unexpected obstruction, and drivers behind who have only seconds to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen on freeways?
They typically start when one vehicle slows, stops, or strikes an obstruction, and following drivers don't have enough distance or time to stop safely, causing additional vehicles to collide.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pile-up?
Keeping a longer following distance, scanning several car lengths ahead, and slowing down early when brake lights appear can help drivers react before a chain-reaction crash reaches them.
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 as far from moving traffic as possible. Getting out and standing in or near travel lanes puts pedestrians at serious risk.
Does low visibility contribute to freeway pile-ups?
Darkness, fog, and glare all reduce the distance at which drivers can spot a hazard, which is part of why multi-vehicle crashes cluster in nighttime and low-light conditions.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crash in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in or witness a multi-vehicle freeway crash, call 911 right away and, if possible, move to a safe location away from active lanes. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries from a sudden collision aren't obvious right away.
Cooperate with responding CHP officers and provide an honest account of what you saw. If you're a witness rather than someone directly involved, staying back from the scene helps first responders work safely and keeps the roadway clear for investigators.
Report any evolving symptoms, like pain, stiffness, or headaches, to a doctor in the days after a crash. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your own records once it becomes available.
