MANTECA, San Joaquin County, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 — Three vehicles collided Tuesday afternoon, October 27, on the connector ramp from eastbound State Route 120 to southbound State Route 99 near Manteca, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash caused minor injuries and blocked part of the ramp for about an hour.
The California Highway Patrol said a blue Ford Explorer, a red sedan and a silver Toyota Tundra were involved in the crash on the interchange ramp. A call came in reporting an open line with several people talking in the background, followed by reports of debris in the roadway, dispatch logs show. The incident was initially logged as a collision with a vehicle possibly off the roadway before being updated to a crash with minor injuries.
A tow truck was requested to the scene, according to the dispatch log. One vehicle needed to be towed after the crash, and a rotation tow company was called to clear it from the connector. The ramp reopened once the vehicle was removed and the area was cleared.
The California Highway Patrol's Freeway Service Patrol unit also responded and later closed out its assistance at the scene. No further details on the extent of injuries or the cause of the crash have been released. The collision remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Manteca, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on State Route 120 in Manteca. For more crash news from the area, see our latest San Joaquin County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fog or poor visibility play a role in pile-ups like this?
Reduced visibility, whether from fog, smoke or glare, can keep drivers from seeing slowed or stopped traffic ahead in time to react, which is a common factor in chain-reaction crashes on ramps and freeways.
Why does following distance matter so much in multi-vehicle crashes?
Leaving enough space between vehicles gives drivers time to brake or steer around trouble. Tight following distances are a frequent cause of rear-end chains when traffic suddenly slows on a ramp or connector.
Are secondary crashes common after a first wreck like this one?
Yes. Once a crash blocks a lane or ramp, following traffic that doesn't slow in time can strike stopped vehicles or debris, which is why responders often move to clear wreckage and warn oncoming drivers quickly.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than single-car wrecks?
With three or more vehicles involved, investigators have to sort out the order of impacts, speeds and driver accounts from multiple parties, which usually takes longer than a single-vehicle crash.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Manteca, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe spot if your vehicle is drivable and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms show up hours later. Exchange information with other drivers and get contact details for any witnesses. A prompt medical evaluation is worth doing even if you feel fine, and keeping a record of the police report and any paperwork from the scene can help later if questions come up about what happened.
