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NATIONAL CITY, San Diego County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered major injuries after being struck by a vehicle on northbound I-5 near Plaza Boulevard South on Saturday afternoon, September 26, according to the California Highway Patrol. A dark blue Toyota Prius was reportedly the first vehicle to hit the pedestrian near the freeway's 11A exit in the right-hand lanes.
The incident began when a person reportedly jumped from an overpass onto the freeway, according to the CHP. Radio traffic indicated the pedestrian got up after being struck and was seen walking away from the scene, though the CHP's classification of the incident was later upgraded from a minor-injury collision to a major-injury collision. A bystander reported that a second vehicle had stopped behind the pedestrian in the roadway.
Callers also described another person near the scene wearing a Padres jersey and black shorts who reportedly jumped from the same unidentified overpass. A bystander was reported trying to keep the pedestrian from crossing additional lanes of traffic, and a family member was reported standing on the right shoulder near where a child had jumped. It remains unclear how many people were involved in total or how their injuries relate to one another; that detail has not been released.
National City police responded to assist the CHP at the scene, and lanes were affected while units cleared the roadway. The investigation remains open, and further details on the number of people involved, their conditions, and the cause of the incident have not been released.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Pedestrian Deaths in California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. That roughly 9% drop suggests that after years of rising pedestrian deaths statewide, some recent safety efforts, from lower speed limits on urban corridors to redesigned crossings, may be having an effect, though the numbers remain far above pre-2010 levels.
Freeway pedestrian incidents, such as people entering travel lanes from an overpass or the shoulder, account for a small but persistent share of these cases. They tend to be more severe than crashes on city streets because vehicle speeds are higher and drivers have less time to react or stop once a person is in the roadway.
Statewide totals also mask where the risk concentrates. Pedestrian deaths remain more common in urban counties with dense freeway networks, including San Diego County, where multiple major interstates cut through populated areas. A single incident can also involve more than one person who is struck or affected, complicating how these events are counted in yearly totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Survival drops sharply as speed increases. Research on vehicle-pedestrian crashes generally shows that impacts at freeway speeds are far more likely to cause severe or fatal injury than impacts at slower, surface-street speeds.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Most occur away from intersections, often where pedestrians cross midblock or, as on freeways, where someone enters travel lanes unexpectedly. Roads with higher speed limits and limited lighting see more severe outcomes.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. National data consistently shows a higher share of pedestrian deaths occurring after dark, when visibility is reduced for both drivers and people on foot.
What should someone do immediately after being struck by a vehicle?
Stay as still as possible and call 911 or ask a bystander to call. Even if injuries seem minor at first, some symptoms, like internal injuries or concussions, may not appear right away, so medical evaluation is important.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in National City, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian accident should call 911 immediately so responders and CHP or local police can reach the scene quickly. If you are the person struck, try not to move if you're in a live traffic lane, and wait for help unless staying puts you in further danger.
Seek medical evaluation even if you feel able to walk away, since adrenaline can mask pain from fractures, head injuries, or internal bleeding. Keep records of any treatment, and if you're a witness, note what you saw, including vehicle descriptions and the time, in case investigators follow up.
Residents of National City who are processing a frightening roadside experience should also lean on local support resources and follow up with their own doctor in the days after, even for injuries that seem to resolve quickly.
