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PACOIMA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash blocked lanes on northbound Interstate 5 under State Route 118 on Monday night, September 21. Several vehicles were reportedly involved, and injuries were confirmed.
The California Highway Patrol said a red Toyota was reportedly speeding before it lost control and collided with several other vehicles, blocking the middle lanes of northbound I-5. A caller reportedly told dispatchers a red two-door car had crashed into a possible four-door and two other unidentified vehicles, with initial reports describing dark colored vehicles involved as well. The exact number of vehicles and drivers involved was not immediately clear from radio traffic.
Los Angeles Fire Department units responded and requested an ambulance, and the incident was later logged as a traffic collision with medics en route. One report referenced a 1996 Honda Civic among the vehicles involved, though it was not clear how many people needed treatment. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Three lanes were blocked for an extended period as tow trucks were called to the scene, including a flatbed capable of hauling two vehicles at once. Traffic was reportedly diverted off the freeway at nearby exits while crews worked to clear the wreckage. The California Highway Patrol has not released further details on the cause of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Highway Pile-Ups
Many drivers assume that pile-ups on freeways happen mainly because of bad weather or road conditions. In fact, a single vehicle losing control, whether from speed, distraction, or a mechanical issue, can trigger a chain-reaction crash on a clear night with dry pavement, as reportedly happened here.
The bigger factor is usually how little time following drivers have to react once a vehicle ahead spins out or stops suddenly in a travel lane. A car traveling at freeway speed can close a gap of several car lengths in under a second, leaving little chance for cars behind to brake or steer clear.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that people outside a vehicle, whether stopped on a shoulder, walking near a crash scene, or in another vehicle entirely, carry real risk when a chain-reaction crash unfolds on a busy highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pile-up?
Keeping a longer following distance and staying alert to brake lights or sudden lane changes ahead gives drivers more time to react if a crash starts to unfold nearby.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if it's safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and watch your mirrors for oncoming traffic before deciding whether to exit the vehicle.
Why does following distance matter so much on freeways?
At highway speeds, a car can travel the length of a football field in a few seconds. A longer gap gives drivers more time to slow down or change lanes if traffic ahead suddenly stops.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Pacoima, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe location if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so, and turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help, even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms don't appear right away.
Exchange information with other drivers when possible, and take photos of vehicle positions and damage if you're able. Seeking a medical evaluation within a day or two of the crash is a good idea even if you feel fine, since adrenaline can mask pain from injuries like whiplash. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records once it becomes available.
