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NORTHRIDGE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 — Nine people were injured, two of them critically, when multiple vehicles collided Sunday morning, October 25, on North Reseda Boulevard near Lassen Street.
The crash happened around 10:10 a.m. in the 9900 block of North Reseda Boulevard, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Video posted to the Citizen app showed as many as five vehicles involved in the chain-reaction wreck.
Arriving firefighters found two occupants trapped in the wreckage and had to extricate them, according to the department. Both were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Three more people were hospitalized with conditions not yet released, and four others declined to be taken for treatment.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating what caused the crash. No further details have been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Northridge, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened at North Reseda Boulevard and Lassen Street in Northridge, California. We cover crashes across Los Angeles County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Los Angeles County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic?
Keeping enough space between vehicles gives drivers time to react if traffic ahead slows or stops suddenly. Tailgating is one of the most common reasons an initial slowdown turns into a pile-up.
Do crashes often trigger a second, separate collision?
Yes. Vehicles that stop or slow near the original crash scene create a hazard for drivers approaching behind them, especially if visibility is limited or traffic is heavy, and secondary crashes are a recognized risk at any wreck site.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than two-car wrecks?
Investigators have to sort out the order in which vehicles struck each other, interview multiple drivers and witnesses, and account for damage that may have come from more than one impact before they can determine a cause.
What typically leads to pile-ups involving several vehicles?
Common factors include sudden braking, reduced visibility, speed that doesn't allow enough reaction time, and one vehicle's inability to stop before striking others already stopped or slowing ahead.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Northridge, CA
If you're involved in a crash with several other vehicles, stay inside your car if it's not safe to exit, and turn on hazard lights if you can. Call 911 so paramedics and police can sort out the scene safely. Even if you feel fine, ask to be checked by medics. Adrenaline can mask pain from injuries like whiplash or internal bruising that show up hours or days later. Remember to get names and contact information for other drivers and witnesses if possible, and take photos of vehicle positions and damage before cars are moved. Once you're safe, follow up with your own doctor and keep records of any treatment, since documentation matters later even if it feels unnecessary in the moment.
