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LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 — A white Ford Explorer and a gray Chevrolet pickup collided on Thursday afternoon, October 15, on northbound I-405 near the Woodruff Avenue offramp in Long Beach, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly before 3 p.m. in the northbound lanes just south of Woodruff Avenue. The agency's initial log described a white SUV and a pickup truck involved in the number one lane, which was blocked afterward, slowing traffic in the area.
What began as a report of a crash with no injuries was upgraded minutes later to a collision with injuries. Responders were sent to the scene under that updated call. The number and severity of any injuries have not been released.
The CHP has not said what led to the collision. No further details on the drivers or passengers involved have been made public, and the incident remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Long Beach, CA
This crash happened on I-405 in Long Beach, CA. We cover crashes across Los Angeles County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Los Angeles County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid a crash like this one?
Leaving extra space between vehicles, checking mirrors before changing lanes, and slowing down near freeway interchanges and off-ramps where merging traffic is heaviest can all help avoid sudden collisions.
What injuries are common in freeway crashes like this?
Neck and back strain, concussions, and broken bones are frequent in vehicle-on-vehicle collisions, even at moderate highway speeds. Some injuries, especially to the head or neck, may not be obvious right away.
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and misjudging another vehicle's speed, particularly in congested freeway segments like interchanges.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds mean less time to react and more force at impact, which tends to increase the severity of injuries and vehicle damage even in a two-car crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in a crash on the freeway, try to move to the shoulder if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside the vehicle if you're stopped in a travel lane, since getting out near moving traffic can be dangerous. Call 911 to report the collision and request medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately apparent, as adrenaline can mask pain from whiplash or internal injuries. Exchange information with the other driver if it's safe, and take photos of the vehicles and surrounding lanes if you're able. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash if any soreness, headaches, or stiffness develop.
