Available 
LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash early on Saturday morning, October 24, left a vehicle facing the wrong way on southbound I-5 near Zoo Dr in Los Angeles. At least one person was reported injured.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first reported around 4:13 a.m. on the southbound side of I-5 just north of Zoo Dr. A caller told dispatchers one vehicle, described as white, ended up facing the wrong way on the right shoulder after a collision with a gray vehicle. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the scene.
Within the first half hour, a report noted a separate vehicle facing the wrong way and partially blocking a lane, CHP radio traffic shows. Officers closed lanes near Verdugo and held traffic in the area north of the SR 134 interchange while crews worked the scene, then reopened all lanes before reducing the closure to the slow lane for fire personnel. All lanes were eventually reported open again.
A tow truck was requested for a blue Toyota involved in the crash, with the call listed as a priority "hot call" as of roughly 4:50 a.m. The driver or vehicle responsible for striking the other car had not been located as of the CHP log, and the collision remains under investigation. No further details on the extent of injuries or the vehicles involved have been released.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Los Angeles, CA
The crash was reported at I-5 and Zoo Dr in Los Angeles. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our Los Angeles road safety and crash report page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Investigators usually examine impairment as a possible factor in wrong-way driving incidents, since confusion about direction of travel is frequently linked to alcohol or drug use. It has not been confirmed whether that was a factor here.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They tend to happen more frequently on freeways with closely spaced on-ramps and off-ramps, limited lighting, or confusing interchange design, particularly overnight when traffic is light.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
Common causes include driver impairment, disorientation at interchanges, missed or obscured signage, and drivers entering an exit ramp by mistake.
Why are wrong-way crashes so commonly fatal?
Because both vehicles are typically moving toward each other at highway speed, the combined impact speed is much higher than in a same-direction crash, leaving less time for either driver to react.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, try to move to a safe location and call 911 right away. Note any details you can about the other vehicle, such as color, type, or partial plate number, since these small details usually help investigators later. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, as adrenaline can mask pain after a crash. File a report with the California Highway Patrol or local police and keep a copy for your records. If your vehicle was damaged or you were hurt, document everything with photos before repairs begin.
