ONTARIO, San Bernardino County, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 — A hit and run crash with injuries was reported Monday morning, September 21, on South Milliken Avenue near the 2350 block in Ontario, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol's traffic log shows the crash was reported to Ontario police shortly before 10:30 a.m. Fire crews were called to the scene about ten minutes later, and dispatch notes indicate a fire was burning at the location. A tow truck was requested to clear the scene.
Details on how many vehicles were involved, the extent of injuries, and whether the driver who fled has been identified were not released. The CHP log does not specify how many people were hurt or their condition.
The circumstances of the crash, including what led to the fire and how the striking vehicle left the scene, remain under investigation. Anyone with information has reportedly been asked to contact Ontario police or the CHP.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Hit and Run Crashes Keep Happening
Drivers who flee the scene of a crash are often trying to avoid consequences they see as worse than the crash itself. Impairment is one of the most common threads: a driver who has been drinking or using drugs may panic and bolt. Fatigue plays a similar role, since a driver who dozed off or drifted lanes may not fully register what happened until they are already leaving.
Other cases come down to plain avoidance. Drivers without a valid license, without insurance, or already facing legal trouble sometimes calculate that leaving is less risky than staying. None of that changes the fact that fleeing turns a crash into a separate crime and can delay medical help for anyone hurt.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 200,000 vehicle occupants were injured in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. That number reflects how often these incidents involve real physical harm, not just property damage, which is part of why investigators treat locating a fleeing driver as an urgent task.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect how bad a crash is?
Higher speed means more energy has to be absorbed in a collision, which increases the chance of serious injury and makes vehicles harder to control immediately beforehand.
Why is distracted driving so risky?
Looking away from the road for even a few seconds means a driver can miss a stopped car, a light change, or a pedestrian until it's too late to react.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes?
Wet pavement, poor visibility, and debris in the road all reduce traction and reaction time, and they can turn an otherwise minor mistake into a collision.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with other drivers. Take photos of the scene and get contact information for any witnesses if you're able to.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash in Ontario, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit and run in Ontario, try to note as much as you can about the other vehicle, including its color, make, direction of travel, and any part of the license plate you catch. Call 911 right away so officers and paramedics can respond while details are still fresh.
It's important to get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms show up hours later. File a police report and keep a copy for your records, and follow up with the responding agency if you learn any new information about the vehicle or driver involved.