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LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, CA, Sept. 21, 2026 — Three vehicles collided Sunday morning, September 20, on the connector from eastbound Highway 91 to northbound I-710 in Long Beach, according to the California Highway Patrol. One driver reportedly struck their head and was bleeding at the scene.
The crash was reported shortly before 8:40 a.m. on the transition road linking eastbound SR-91 to northbound I-710, the CHP said. A silver Toyota Camry and a gray Toyota Prius were among the vehicles involved, though the full sequence of the three-vehicle collision has not been detailed.
The person who reported the crash said they had hit their head and was bleeding, prompting a request for paramedics. Long Beach Fire Department units were dispatched and advised they were still en route in the minutes after the call went out. It is not known how many people in total were injured or the extent of any injuries.
Responding units later confirmed the vehicles were not blocking travel lanes, though a slow lane hazard was also reported nearby. Tow services were requested to clear the scene once the investigation allowed.
No further details on the cause of the crash have been released. The CHP incident log does not indicate whether any citations were issued.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Makes a Freeway Connector Crash So Damaging
Connector ramps like the one linking Highway 91 to I-710 force vehicles moving at different speeds into a tight merge, on a curve. A car slowing to take the ramp can be struck by one still moving at highway speed, and that difference in closing speed, not just the impact itself, is what determines how much damage a crash does.
The front and rear ends of a car are built with crumple zones designed to absorb energy and collapse in a controlled way. The passenger cabin is reinforced to resist that same collapse. But on a ramp, impacts land at the side or corner, and hits the car where there is less structure to absorb the impact. Airbags and seatbelts are designed for fairly predictable, straight-on impacts, and they perform less consistently in off-angle collisions common on curved connectors.
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. Even a low-speed merge crash can escalate quickly if a following vehicle cannot slow down in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving a factor in crashes like this?
Merge points and connector ramps demand constant attention to speed and spacing. A driver glancing at a phone or dashboard for even a couple of seconds can miss a slowing vehicle ahead and fail to brake in time.
How do road conditions affect crash risk on ramps and connectors?
Curved ramps often have lower posted speeds for a reason. Wet pavement, poor visibility, or uneven road surfaces reduce a driver's ability to react, and these tight ramp curves offer less room for correction than a straight roadway.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene and vehicle positions, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a freeway or connector ramp in Long Beach, try to move to a safe area away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable. Turn on hazard lights and call 911 to report injuries and request assistance. Even a hit to the head or a minor collision should be checked out by a medical professional, since symptoms like concussions or soft tissue injuries don't always show up right away.
Get a copy of the CHP incident report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits or vehicle damage. If you were a passenger or driver involved, staying calm and cooperating with responding officers and fire crews will help the investigation move smoothly.
