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NORWALK, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 24, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash blocked lanes on northbound I-605 at the I-5 connector on Friday evening, October 23, the California Highway Patrol said.
The collision involved a Toyota Prius, a Lexus SUV, and a third vehicle not yet identified. The crash was first reported as blocking the number 2 lane, and the report was later updated to note the number 1 lane was also blocked.
A person at the scene reportedly tried to move a vehicle out of the roadway and ended up off the left shoulder. The agency's call classification was changed from a collision with unknown injuries to a collision with injuries requiring an ambulance response, suggesting at least one person involved was hurt, though the extent of any injuries has not been released.
Traffic backed up for several miles as a result of the crash, with speeds reported between 3 and 90 mph starting near Imperial Highway. It is unclear how long the lanes remained blocked or when they were fully reopened. The CHP has not released further details on what led to the collision, and the incident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Norwalk, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on I-605 in Norwalk. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Los Angeles County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fog or poor visibility play a role in multi-vehicle pile-ups?
Reduced visibility, whether from fog, smoke, glare, or darkness, gives drivers less time to react to slowing or stopped traffic ahead, which can turn a single crash into a chain-reaction pile-up involving several vehicles.
Why does following distance matter so much in heavy traffic?
Leaving more space between vehicles gives drivers time to brake safely if traffic ahead stops suddenly. Tailgating is a common factor in rear-end and chain-reaction crashes, especially on busy freeway connectors.
Are secondary crashes common after a first collision blocks lanes?
Yes. Once a crash blocks lanes, approaching traffic often slows unexpectedly, and drivers who don't notice in time can strike vehicles already stopped or involved in the initial wreck.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes often harder to sort out?
With several vehicles and drivers involved, investigators have to piece together additional accounts and physical evidence to determine the sequence of impacts and who was doing what before the crash.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Norwalk, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe location only if it's possible to do so without further risk, and turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Call 911 and wait for help rather than attempting to push or move a damaged vehicle out of traffic lanes yourself, since standing near live lanes is dangerous. Get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine at the scene, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Exchange information with other drivers if it's safe to do so, and file a report with police or the CHP once everyone is clear of danger.
