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LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash blocked lanes on northbound Interstate 405 near Santa Monica Boulevard on Sunday evening, September 20, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision involved a white Subaru and a gray Mazda CX-5, the agency reported.
According to authorities, the Subaru came to a stop along the roadway before being struck from behind by the Mazda in the number four lane. Units on scene later noted that the vehicles may have made contact more than once, with dispatch logs describing the Subaru as also stopped "out back" relative to the Mazda. It was not immediately clear which vehicle was disabled first or what caused the initial stop.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and took over the call, according to CHP dispatch records. It was not immediately known whether anyone was injured or transported for medical care. Whether the vehicles were blocking travel lanes remained unconfirmed at the time of the report.
The crash remains under investigation. No further details on cause or contributing factors have been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
When Rear-End and Multi-Vehicle Crashes Cluster on Freeways Like the 405
Evening commute hours, roughly 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., see some of the heaviest crash volume on urban freeways. Traffic density is high, speeds vary lane to lane, and drivers who have been on the road for a while are more prone to distraction or fatigue as the day wears on.
Sudden slowdowns are a common trigger. A stopped or disabled vehicle in a live lane, especially in fading evening light, gives following drivers little time to react. Rear-end collisions usually follow, and a chain reaction can pull in a third vehicle if traffic behind is still moving at speed.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Freeway corridors with heavy weekend and commute traffic, like much of the 405 through West Los Angeles, see a steady share of these incidents simply because of the volume of vehicles passing through each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my vehicle breaks down or stops on the freeway?
Move to the shoulder if possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle with a seatbelt on unless it's safer to exit away from traffic. Call for help and report the location as precisely as you can.
What injuries are common in rear-end or multi-vehicle freeway crashes?
Whiplash and other neck and back strains are frequent, along with concussions and bruising from impact with the seat, wheel, or airbag. Some injuries, particularly to the neck and spine, may not be obvious right away.
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include sudden braking, following too closely, distracted driving, and reduced visibility. Investigators review vehicle positions, radio traffic, and witness accounts to determine what happened.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in a freeway crash, try to move to a safe area if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and call 911 to report the collision and any injuries. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation soon after is worth doing, since some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
Exchange information with the other driver if possible, and note the time, location, and any details you can recall while they're fresh. Filing an official report with the California Highway Patrol helps document the incident for insurance and any follow-up questions that come later.
