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LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash injured several people Wednesday morning, September 30, on northbound Interstate 405 just north of Palo Verde Avenue in Long Beach. The California Highway Patrol said four to five vehicles were involved.
The crash was first logged as a collision with no injuries before being upgraded, after reports that people were out of their vehicles and airbags had deployed. A gray Porsche, a white Lexus and a GMC vehicle were reportedly involved.
Two vehicles were reported smoking and blocking the number one lane, and a black vehicle was also reported in that lane, the CHP log showed. One vehicle was described as facing the wrong way after the crash. Long Beach Fire Department units responded to the scene.
By late morning, the HOV lane and lanes one and two were blocked off while crews worked the scene.
The extent of injuries has not been released, and the crash remains under investigation. We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Highway Pileups
Many drivers assume a pileup happens because someone was driving recklessly or far too fast. In reality, most chain-reaction crashes on freeways start with something more ordinary: one vehicle slows or stops, the driver behind reacts late, and the gap closes faster than following vehicles can brake.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that the people most exposed in a multi-vehicle crash are often not inside a car at all, they are the ones who have stopped, stepped out, or are standing near traffic when another vehicle arrives.
The assumption that a pileup is mainly about speed also overlooks how much depends on spacing. A short following gap gives a driver almost no time to respond once brake lights appear ahead, even at normal traffic speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting pulled into a pileup?
Keep a longer following distance than feels necessary, especially near merge points or lane drops, and scan several vehicles ahead rather than just the car directly in front.
What should I do if I come up on a crash already blocking the highway?
Slow down well before you reach the scene, use hazard lights to warn traffic behind you, and move into an open lane if it's safe. Avoid stopping in a live lane unless you have no other option.
Why does fog or low visibility make pileups more likely?
Reduced visibility shortens the distance at which drivers can see brake lights or stopped traffic, which cuts the reaction time available before impact.
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic?
The gap between vehicles is the only buffer a driver has to stop safely. Closing that gap, even by a little, removes the margin needed to avoid a chain-reaction collision.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in or near a multi-vehicle crash on the freeway, try to move to a safe area, such as the shoulder, if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and stay alert to traffic still moving around you.
Call 911 and let dispatchers know how many vehicles appear to be involved and whether anyone looks hurt. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from sudden stops or secondary impacts aren't obvious right away.
Exchange information with other drivers only when it's safe, and request a copy of the official report once it's available. Photos of vehicle positions and damage can help later if questions come up about how the crash unfolded.
