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MONTEBELLO, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 — A Freeway Service Patrol truck and a pickup truck collided Wednesday afternoon, October 14, on eastbound SR-60 at Paramount Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash blocked travel lanes and left at least one person hurt.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was first logged as a crash with no injuries before being upgraded once a report of injury came in. Dispatch records describe the Freeway Service Patrol truck and a red pickup truck colliding and blocking lanes on the eastbound side of the highway near Paramount Boulevard.
An ambulance was requested to the scene, CHP records show, though the extent of any injuries has not been released.
The cause of the crash remains under review. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a swift and full recovery.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Trucks Collide on the Freeway
Large trucks share the road with passenger vehicles and smaller work trucks every day, and the people most exposed when they collide are often those in the smaller vehicle. A pickup or sedan has far less structure to absorb a hit from a loaded truck, so occupants in the lighter vehicle tend to see worse injuries even in a lower speed crash.
Roadside workers and service vehicles add another layer of risk. Freeway Service Patrol trucks, tow trucks and maintenance crews often work stopped or slow moving in live lanes, which puts them in the path of traffic that may not react in time to slow or shift over.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 153,452 people were injured in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure spans highway workers, other drivers and truck occupants alike, and reflects how often these crashes touch people outside the truck itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer or body during a collision, often causing more serious damage and injury than a typical rear-end or side impact.
What usually causes large-truck crashes?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following too closely, blind spots, mechanical failure and sudden lane changes or stops in heavy traffic. Investigators typically review all of these before determining a cause.
How can drivers share the road with trucks more safely?
Giving trucks extra following distance, staying out of blind spots near the cab and rear, and avoiding sudden lane changes in front of a truck can lower the chance of a crash.
Does fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours and irregular schedules are a recognized factor in truck crash investigations, and regulators place hour limits on commercial drivers partly for that reason.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Montebello, CA
If you're involved in or witness a truck crash in Montebello, move to a safe spot away from traffic if possible and call 911 to report injuries or blocked lanes. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth getting, since some injuries from a truck collision don't show symptoms right away.
Exchange information with other drivers if it's safe to do so, and note anything you remember about the vehicles and positions involved. If a service or work vehicle was part of the crash, mention that to responding officers, since agency vehicles are typically handled under separate reporting procedures. Keep any paperwork or case number CHP provides, as it will be useful for insurance or follow-up questions.
