LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 3, 2026 — Several people were hurt on Friday afternoon, October 2, when two vehicles collided at E 103rd St and S Alameda St in Los Angeles, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly before 4 p.m. and involved a gray Dodge Charger and a blue Ford Expedition. Both vehicles reportedly came to rest blocking the intersection, and officers noted lanes closed in the area as crews worked the scene.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office told CHP dispatchers there were multiple injuries but did not immediately describe their severity. Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded to treat and transport those hurt. A tow company was called to remove the vehicles from the roadway.
No further details on what led to the collision have been released. The circumstances remain under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Intersection Crashes
Many drivers assume that crashes at busy intersections are mostly caused by distraction or red-light running, and that the resulting injuries are usually minor since vehicles are typically moving slower than on a freeway. The data on multi-vehicle crashes tells a more complicated story about how frequently serious harm results even at modest speeds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 365 large-truck occupants were killed in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure is a reminder that the vehicles involved, not just the speed or the road type, shape how severe a crash becomes. A sedan colliding with a larger SUV or truck at an intersection can produce injuries out of proportion to how fast either vehicle was going.
Intersection crashes also tend to involve more than two directions of travel and more unpredictable angles of impact than crashes on a straight highway stretch. That variability is part of why investigators are usually slower to determine fault than the public expects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash at an intersection?
Stay in your vehicle if it's safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and wait for officers to direct traffic. Avoid trying to maneuver around blocked lanes until responders clear a path.
What are common injuries in two-vehicle intersection crashes?
Injuries can range from whiplash and bruising to broken bones and head trauma, depending on the angle of impact and the speeds involved. Occupants on the side struck directly usually face greater risk.
Why does it take so long to find out what caused a crash like this?
Investigators typically need witness statements, vehicle data, and sometimes traffic camera footage before they can determine fault. Agencies usually wait until that review is complete before releasing a cause.
What to Do After a Two-Vehicle Crash in Los Angeles, CA
If you're involved in or witness a crash in Los Angeles, call 911 and stay as far from moving traffic as possible while waiting for help. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation soon after the crash can catch issues like concussions or internal injuries that aren't immediately obvious.
Exchange information with the other driver if you're able, and take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so. Keep a copy of any report filed by responding agencies, since it can help clarify what happened once the investigation is complete.