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LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 — A crash involving multiple vehicles shut down lanes on northbound Interstate 710 at Del Amo Boulevard early Sunday morning, October 11, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was reported injured.
The California Highway Patrol's initial log described a collision involving five to six vehicles, with one vehicle in the center divider and another stalled in the middle lanes. Four additional vehicles were reported pulled to the roadside. A Ford Mustang and a Toyota Yaris were among the vehicles involved, and the Mustang reportedly came off its axle and was blocking lanes.
Dispatch logs noted that lanes 1 and 2 needed to be flared off for safety, and the Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene. A report of a verbal dispute between two men at the scene was also logged, though it was not clear from early information whether it was connected to the crash itself.
The California Highway Patrol later updated the incident from a collision with unknown injuries to one with at least one confirmed injury. Tow services were requested to begin clearing vehicles from the roadway.
The cause of the crash remains under review. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Many drivers assume pile-ups happen because one driver loses control and the rest simply can't stop in time, a chain of bad luck more than bad driving. In reality, most chain-reaction crashes build out of drivers following too closely for conditions already present before the first impact, whether that's fog, glare, heavy traffic, or a vehicle slowing suddenly ahead. The first collision is often small. What turns it into a multi-vehicle event is the string of vehicles behind it that didn't have the following distance to react.
Another assumption is that these crashes are rare, isolated events on local roads. Interstates and highways, with higher speeds and dense traffic, are where small incidents multiply quickly into pile-ups involving several cars.
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 at risk in a chain-reaction crash are not always the ones in the vehicles that collide first, but those who end up outside a vehicle on the roadway afterward, whether changing a tire, walking to a shoulder, or standing near a disabled car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a pile-up involving several vehicles?
Most start with one vehicle slowing or stopping unexpectedly. Vehicles behind it that are following too closely, moving too fast for conditions, or distracted don't have room to stop, and the collisions cascade backward.
Why do these chain-reaction crashes happen so fast?
Once the first impact occurs, drivers approaching from behind often have only a few seconds to react. Reduced visibility, heavy traffic, and high speeds all shrink that window further.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in one?
Leaving extra space between vehicles, slowing down in heavy traffic or poor visibility, and watching brake lights several cars ahead can give a driver more time to react before a chain reaction reaches them.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay in the vehicle with a seatbelt on if it's safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and move as far from traffic lanes as possible. Getting out and standing near moving traffic adds risk.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe area away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and get contact details for any witnesses nearby. Photos of vehicle positions, damage, and the surrounding roadway can help later, especially before vehicles are towed. A medical evaluation soon after the crash is worth getting even if you feel fine, since adrenaline can mask pain from soft-tissue or head injuries. Keep copies of any police report filed and medical records tied to the incident for your own file.
