National City, CA (May 4, 2025) – A serious multi-vehicle collision on southbound Interstate 805 near the Palm Ave exit resulted in at least one fatality and extensive traffic delays on Saturday morning. The crash was first reported around 8:53 a.m. and involved five vehicles, including one that overturned, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision, while officers confirmed that one person had died at the scene. Additional victims were assessed and treated, with several transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care. The severity of the crash led to a full closure of southbound lanes, with a SigAlert issued and traffic diverted at multiple points, including near the SR-94 connector.
CHP logs show that one of the vehicles involved—a black sedan—was reportedly driving recklessly prior to the crash. Emergency crews reported people trapped inside vehicles, and a coroner was called to the scene. Recovery efforts included multiple tow trucks and extended investigations by CHP and District Attorney investigators.
Traffic remained impacted for several hours, with lanes gradually reopening by early afternoon. Authorities are continuing to investigate the sequence of events that led to this fatal accident.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes and Fatal Freeway Collisions in California
Crashes like the one on I-805 S in National City illustrate the extreme dangers posed by high-speed, multi-vehicle collisions. With over five vehicles involved, including at least one rollover and multiple injuries, this type of crash highlights how quickly freeway conditions can turn deadly.
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, multi-vehicle collisions are a major cause of highway fatalities statewide. In 2023 alone, more than 3,900 people died in traffic incidents across California, with a significant portion occurring on interstates and freeways during daylight hours.
Drivers are urged to avoid reckless behavior such as speeding or aggressive lane changes, which can easily result in chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles. Maintaining safe distances and staying alert—especially on congested routes like I-805—is critical for preventing fatal outcomes.
Following any serious crash, especially those involving injuries or fatalities, victims and their families should promptly seek medical attention, request a complete police report, and consider consulting professionals for assistance with insurance and legal processes.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a fatal freeway crash, support is available to help you understand your rights and navigate the next steps.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
