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MONROVIA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 14, 2026 — One person was hurt early Wednesday morning, October 14, in a three-vehicle crash on South Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly before 5 a.m. near the 2500 block of South Myrtle Avenue, the California Highway Patrol said. The agency's log described a red sedan colliding with a black sedan and a black pickup truck. One person was reported down on the ground at the scene, according to the CHP incident log, though the extent of that person's injuries has not been released.
Officers requested a unit to block a lane of traffic following the collision, CHP records show. A tow truck was later called to clear the vehicles from the roadway.
No further details on possible causes, citations, or the condition of those involved have been released. The crash remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Highway-Speed Collisions Turn Minor Contact Into Multi-Vehicle Wrecks
Early morning hours bring lighter traffic but higher average speeds, since drivers often treat emptier roads as an invitation to move faster. At those speeds, a single misjudged gap or a moment of inattention leaves little time to correct course before vehicles make contact.
Once the first impact happens, the physics work against everyone nearby. A car that spins or stalls in a travel lane becomes a stationary obstacle that trailing vehicles may not see in time, especially in low light. What starts as a two-car crash can quickly pull in a third vehicle simply because of how fast traffic is still moving when it arrives on scene.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that the danger in multi-vehicle wrecks often extends beyond the people inside the cars themselves, to anyone caught on foot or exposed near the roadway when a chain-reaction crash unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I come up on a crash scene on a highway or arterial road?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, turn on hazard lights, and move into a lane farther from the wreckage if possible. Avoid stopping directly behind damaged vehicles unless you are rendering aid, and watch for responders directing traffic.
How does darkness or poor visibility play into pile-up crashes?
Reduced visibility cuts down how quickly a driver can spot a stalled or slow-moving vehicle ahead, which shortens reaction time. This is part of why crashes involving a stopped vehicle in a travel lane can draw in additional cars that arrive before the scene is marked off.
Why does following distance matter so much in preventing these crashes?
A longer following distance gives a driver more time to brake or steer around a hazard that appears suddenly, including a crash that has just occurred ahead. At higher speeds, the gap needed to stop safely grows quickly, so even a few car lengths can determine whether a driver avoids a collision or adds to it.
Are secondary crashes after an initial wreck common?
Yes. Traffic backing up or slowing suddenly near a crash scene creates its own hazard, and vehicles arriving at speed can strike stopped cars or emergency personnel before they realize traffic has stopped. This is one reason responders often work quickly to block lanes and warn approaching drivers.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Monrovia, CA
If you're involved in or witness a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location away from traffic if you're able, and call 911 to report injuries. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a collision don't show symptoms right away.
Make sure to exchange information with other drivers when it's safe to do so, and take photos of the vehicles and surrounding area if you can. Don't forget to follow up with the California Highway Patrol or local police for a copy of the official report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits connected to the crash.
