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MISSION HILLS, Los Angeles County, Calif., Nov. 4, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash with injuries shut down lanes on the transition from southbound I-5 to southbound I-405 on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, according to the California Highway Patrol. One driver reportedly left the scene before authorities arrived; the case is being handled as a felony hit-and-run.
The crash happened on the connector ramp where southbound I-5 traffic merges onto southbound I-405, near Mission Hills. CHP radio traffic described a gray vehicle colliding with a black vehicle, with people trapped or injured inside a gray car, and a separate report of a black Subaru involved with a black Lexus. A silver Mazda and gray Honda Civic were also named, though it was not clear how many separate vehicles were ultimately involved or how the reports connect.
At least one vehicle reportedly spun out and blocked travel lanes before crews arrived. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and worked to free a person from one of the vehicles, and paramedics treated people hurt in the crash on scene. The CHP said a driver fled the area, leaving a vehicle behind that was later found not drivable, prompting the felony hit-and-run designation under California law.
Responding units also reported major damage to a guardrail in the area, which prompted a request for Caltrans crews to assess the hazard. A rotation tow was called to clear wreckage from the roadway, and the Freeway Service Patrol later closed out its portion of the response. Traffic backed up on southbound I-405 as crews worked the scene.
The CHP has not released the number of people hurt or the extent of their injuries. The investigation into the crash and the search for the driver who left the scene remain active.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Los Angeles County
This multi-vehicle crash happened on I-5 in Mission Hills, CA. For other recent crashes near Mission Hills, CA, visit our Los Angeles County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pile-ups like this one?
Chain-reaction crashes usually start when one vehicle slows suddenly, spins out, or stops in a travel lane, giving drivers behind little time to react before striking it or each other.
Why do these crashes tend to cascade into several vehicles?
Once a lane is blocked, vehicles arriving at highway speed usually can't stop in time, especially where lanes merge or traffic is already heavy, which is what turns a single incident into a multi-car collision.
What should drivers do if they come upon a crash blocking lanes on the highway?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, use hazard lights to warn traffic behind, and move into an open lane if it's safe to do so rather than braking hard at the last moment.
What should someone do if they witness a hit-and-run?
Stay safe first, then note the vehicle's description, license plate, and direction of travel if possible, and report it to law enforcement as soon as it's safe to do so.
