Oakland, CA (May 19, 2026) – A multi-vehicle crash blocked lanes on eastbound Interstate 580 at the 35th Avenue off-ramp in Oakland on Monday, May 18, reported at approximately 9:11 p.m.
The collision involved at least three vehicles, including a gold Kia, a white Lexus, and an unknown-colored van. The gold Kia was reported to be smoking from the engine. The crash blocked the slow lanes and the off-ramp, and an air medical unit was dispatched to the scene.
Two vehicles sustained significant damage: a gray SUV with rear damage and a tan sedan with major front-end damage. Both were towed from the scene. Details about the number of people hurt and the severity of injuries have not been confirmed. The incident remains under review by authorities, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with anyone injured as they receive care.
What Drivers Should Know About Off-Ramp Crashes on Oakland’s I-580
Off-ramp crashes are a frequent occurrence on busy urban freeways like I-580 in Oakland, particularly during evening hours when traffic patterns shift and visibility drops. Vehicles decelerating to exit can conflict with faster-moving traffic still in travel lanes, especially when drivers make sudden lane changes near exit points. The 35th Avenue interchange is one of several high-volume exits along this stretch of freeway.
Multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more cars often result in more complex scenes, with debris spread across multiple lanes and longer clearance times. Engine fires or smoking vehicles add a layer of urgency for responding crews. California law requires drivers to move out of the way of emergency vehicles and to slow down when passing an active crash scene on a freeway.
