LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 17, 2026 — Three vehicles collided early on Friday morning, October 16, on southbound US-101 near 1st Street in Los Angeles, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash left at least one vehicle blocking a lane of traffic.
A silver Toyota RAV4, a Honda SUV, and a white SUV were involved in the collision, though exact roles in the crash sequence were not released. An earlier report to dispatchers also referenced a green Honda Element and another SUV in the same area, suggesting the agency was still sorting out how many vehicles were actually involved. The crash was reported just north of 1st Street on the southbound side of the freeway.
Los Angeles Fire Department units responded to the scene, CHP records show. Dispatch logs reference a medical response coded as a non-life-threatening injury call, though the CHP did not release details on how many people were hurt or the extent of their injuries.
A tow truck was requested to clear vehicles from the roadway, and at least one car remained in the number two lane for a period after the crash. The California Highway Patrol has not released a cause for the collision, and the incident remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
More on Crashes in Los Angeles, CA
The crash was reported on US-101 in Los Angeles. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our Los Angeles accident resource page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does speed affect the severity of a crash like this?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which tends to produce more serious vehicle damage and injuries even in multi-car pileups on freeways.
Why is distracted driving a particular risk on freeways at night?
Late-night and early-morning drivers face lower visibility and sometimes fatigue, and any lapse in attention, such as checking a phone, can take just a second or two to turn into a rear-end or multi-vehicle crash.
What should I do immediately after being in a multi-vehicle accident?
Move to a safe area if possible, check yourself and others for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with other drivers once it's safe to do so. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is a good idea since some injuries take hours to appear.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Los Angeles, start by getting to a safe spot away from moving traffic if you're able to. Call 911 so officers and medical responders can document the scene and check everyone involved. Even minor aches should be evaluated by a doctor soon after, since adrenaline can mask injuries like whiplash or internal bruising. Take photos of the vehicles and the surrounding area if you can do so safely, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with your insurance company promptly to begin the claims process.