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LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 2, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash blocked the northbound Interstate 110 off-ramp at El Segundo Boulevard on Thursday afternoon, October 1, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision involved at least three vehicles and possibly a fourth, backing up traffic in the area.
The CHP's initial traffic log described a box truck, a minivan, and a work truck involved in the crash, with a gray Subaru, a gray Toyota Tacoma, and a white Chevrolet also listed among the vehicles involved. Investigators noted a fourth vehicle may have been involved, though that has not been confirmed.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded to the scene. At least one person was reported injured, though the extent of any injuries has not been released. A heavy-duty flatbed tow truck was requested to clear a vehicle with major front-end damage, and a second flatbed was called in to help move vehicles from the roadway.
The off-ramp lane remained blocked for a time as crews worked the scene, and a Freeway Service Patrol unit was asked to help control traffic. By early evening, the CHP reported that the vehicles had been moved to the shoulder and that the lanes were reopened. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure reflects how often collisions involving trucks escalate into chain-reaction events that pull in several vehicles rather than remaining a two-car crash.
Pile-ups involving a mix of trucks, vans, and passenger cars tend to result in a wider range of damage and injury severity due to mismatches in vehicle size and weight. A sedan or minivan caught between a truck and another vehicle absorbs forces very differently from the truck itself, which is part of why on-ramp and off-ramp collisions involving commercial vehicles often require heavy-duty towing and extended lane closures.
Off-ramps and merge points are common sites for these crashes because traffic slows unevenly as vehicles exit at different speeds. When a slower-moving truck or work vehicle is in the mix, following vehicles have less time to react, and what starts as a two-vehicle collision can pull in a third or fourth car before traffic clears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a multi-vehicle pile-up?
Pile-ups usually start with one collision or sudden slowdown that the following drivers don't have time to react to, especially in heavy traffic near ramps, merges, or lane drops.
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen so quickly?
Once the first vehicles stop or collide, cars behind them often have only a few seconds to brake or swerve. Reduced following distance and speed differences between vehicles make a secondary or third impact more likely.
What should drivers do if they come upon a crash blocking the road?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, turn on hazard lights, and merge early if a lane is blocked. Avoid stopping directly behind the crash if possible, and never get out to look.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in or near a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable, and call 911 to report injuries or blocked lanes. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth it, since some injuries from a sudden stop or impact don't show symptoms right away.
Exchange information with other drivers when safe to do so, and take photos of the scene if you're able. Los Angeles traffic on routes like I-110 can back up quickly after a crash, so patience matters for both your safety and crews working to clear the roadway. A written police report will also help later if insurance questions come up.
