LONGVIEW, Cowlitz County, Wash., Oct. 18, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash sent people to the hospital Saturday morning, October 17, at Ocean Beach Highway and 38th Avenue in Longview, according to initial dispatch reports.
Crews were sent to the intersection shortly after 11 a.m. and found three vehicles involved in the collision, reports said. Responders described it as an injury crash, and at least some of those involved were taken for further medical evaluation, according to the initial reports.
The condition and number of people hurt have not been released. It is not yet known what led up to the crash or whether any vehicle involved was found at fault.
Ocean Beach Highway and 38th Avenue may have seen lane closures or blockages while crews worked the scene, though the duration was not specified in the available reports. The crash remains under investigation, and further details, including any citations, had not been released as of this writing.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Cowlitz County
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Ocean Beach Highway in Longview, WA. For other recent crashes near Longview, WA, visit our Cowlitz County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I come across a crash scene on a busy roadway?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, move away from active traffic lanes if possible, and watch for responders directing traffic. Call 911 if emergency crews have not yet arrived.
Why does following distance matter so much in multi-vehicle crashes?
Leaving several seconds of space behind the vehicle ahead gives a driver time to react if traffic stops suddenly. Tight following distances are a common factor when one crash leads to another vehicle striking the scene.
Are secondary crashes a real risk after an initial collision?
Yes. Stopped or slowed traffic near a crash scene can catch following drivers off guard, especially around intersections where visibility and reaction time are already limited.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Longview, WA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle collision, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries, then try to move to a safe spot away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is hurt, even if injuries seem minor at first. Make sure to exchange information with other drivers involved and, if you're able, note details like vehicle positions and any road or weather conditions. Seeing a doctor afterward is worth doing even without obvious injuries, since some symptoms from a collision take hours or days to appear. Keep any paperwork from police or medical providers in one place in case you need it later.
