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LONG BEACH, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 26, 2026 — A wrong-way crash blocked lanes on northbound Interstate 710 near Artesia Boulevard early on Saturday morning, September 26. Two vehicles were involved, reportedly a BMW sedan and a big rig, though a preliminary radio call had described the second vehicle as an SUV.
The California Highway Patrol received a call shortly after 1 a.m. reporting a silver BMW headed the wrong way on northbound I-710 near the connector to State Route 91. Within minutes, dispatch traffic indicated the BMW was found facing the wrong way in the traffic lanes and had collided with a big rig.
The crash blocked the number two lane, and initial reports said the number two and number three lanes were both affected. Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was hurt or how badly, and that information had not been released as of Saturday morning.
Investigators requested a tow truck to clear the roadway, and a rotation tow company was dispatched with an estimated arrival of about 25 minutes, according to the CHP log. The cause of the wrong-way movement had not been determined and remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
When Wrong-Way Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster heavily in the overnight and early morning hours, well after most commuters have gone home. Traffic volume drops, some drivers grow fatigued or impaired, and the dark makes it harder to spot a vehicle entering a freeway through an off-ramp until headlights appear head-on in a travel lane.
Weekend nights and the hours right around bar closing time show up again and again in wrong-way crash data. Fewer other cars on the road can also mean fewer chances for a driver to notice a mistake and correct course before reaching high-speed lanes.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, older drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. Confusion at interchanges, misjudging an off-ramp for an on-ramp, and diminished night vision are all factors researchers point to when explaining that pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Alcohol is a factor in a large share of wrong-way crashes, particularly those that happen late at night or in the early morning hours. Impairment can make it harder for a driver to recognize on-ramp and off-ramp signage or notice they're headed against traffic.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They happen most usually on divided highways and freeways with interchanges, especially where ramps are closely spaced or poorly lit. Some interchange designs are more prone to wrong-way entries than others.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
Common causes include impaired driving, driver confusion at interchanges, fatigue, medical episodes, and, less commonly, deliberate wrong-way entry. Investigators typically look at all of these possibilities before concluding.
Why are wrong-way crashes so frequently fatal?
Wrong-way collisions are usually head-on impacts, and the combined closing speed of both vehicles is much higher than in a typical rear-end or side-impact crash. That raises the chance of serious injury for occupants in both vehicles.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Long Beach, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and, if it's safe, move away from traffic lanes rather than standing near damaged vehicles. Freeways carry fast-moving traffic even after a collision, and secondary crashes are a real risk until responders arrive and lanes are closed off.
Anyone involved should be evaluated by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain from a whiplash injury or internal bruising for hours after impact.
It's also worth requesting a copy of the CHP incident report once it's available and documenting the scene with photos if you're able to safely do so. That record can matter later, whether for insurance purposes or simply for understanding what happened.
