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MISSION HILLS, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — Three vehicles collided Thursday afternoon, October 22, on westbound Highway 118 near the Interstate 405 interchange in Mission Hills, according to the California Highway Patrol. The wreck blocked multiple lanes and brought traffic to a halt during the early afternoon commute.
The CHP said the crash involved two SUVs and a sedan, with a gray Toyota Camry and a Kia Sorrento among the vehicles reported at the scene. Initial reports described the vehicles blocking the middle lanes before responders confirmed that lanes one through three were obstructed.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene, and at least one person was reported injured. A tow service was called to clear the vehicles, with an estimated arrival time of about 20 minutes.
Caltrans Freeway Service Patrol crews helped block the on-ramp while traffic was rerouted, and the CHP issued a corridor advisory directing drivers to detour from the Sepulveda on-ramp onto westbound Highway 118. The FSP later closed out its assistance incidents, and the roadway was reopened as cleanup finished.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Mission Hills, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on Highway 118 in Mission Hills. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Los Angeles County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does limited visibility contribute to multi-vehicle pile-ups?
When drivers can't see far enough ahead, whether from fog, glare, or heavy traffic, they have less time to react to sudden braking. That delay often causes a chain reaction of rear-end impacts involving several vehicles.
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic like this?
A safe gap gives a driver time to stop or steer around trouble. On a busy freeway interchange, where vehicles are merging and braking unpredictably, a short following distance leaves almost no room to avoid a crash once one starts.
Do secondary crashes often happen after the first one?
Yes. Once a wreck blocks lanes, approaching traffic can be caught off guard, especially if drivers don't see brake lights in time. That's part of why crews work quickly to block lanes and divert traffic away from the scene.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate?
With several vehicles and drivers involved, investigators have to sort out the sequence of impacts, speak with multiple witnesses, and often rely on physical evidence from the roadway to determine how the collision unfolded.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Mission Hills, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a busy freeway like this one, try to move to a safe spot if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside the vehicle if you're stopped in a travel lane, since stepping out into moving traffic is dangerous. Call 911 to report injuries and request medical evaluation even if you feel fine at first, since some injuries from sudden stops or impacts aren't immediately obvious. Exchange information with other drivers if possible, and take photos of the scene if you're able to do so safely. Once you're clear of the scene, follow up with a doctor and keep records of any treatment, which can help if you need to file an insurance claim later.
