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PHELAN, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 — At least one person was hurt early Tuesday morning, October 27, in a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles on State Route 138 at Beekley Road in Phelan. One lane remained blocked for an extended period as crews worked the scene, the agency said.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash began shortly before 5:30 a.m. when a vehicle struck another car on eastbound SR-138, leaving debris and a hazard in the roadway. Investigators said a second collision followed minutes later a short distance away, involving additional vehicles.
The driver of the first vehicle involved reportedly tried to leave the scene and struck another car in the process. That claim has not been independently confirmed and remains part of the ongoing investigation.
One person was reported to be trapped or delayed in a vehicle before being freed, the California Highway Patrol said. At least one party was transported to a hospital; the extent of injuries has not been released. Two tow trucks were requested to clear wreckage from the roadway, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control while the highway patrol managed the scene.
No further details on citations or the circumstances that led to the initial crash have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Intersection Safety in California
The multi-vehicle crash was reported at State Route 138 and Beekley Road in Phelan. Our California intersection resource page covers intersection crashes across California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are secondary crashes common after an initial wreck?
Yes. Debris, stopped vehicles, and slowed traffic from a first collision usually create hazards that lead to a second crash nearby, especially on fast-moving highways before responders arrive.
What makes multi-vehicle crashes hard to investigate?
Investigators have to piece together the order of impacts, how many vehicles were involved, and whether later collisions were caused by the first. Conflicting driver accounts and limited camera coverage can slow that process.
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen?
They typically start with one vehicle stopping suddenly or losing control, then other drivers who don't have time or room to react get pulled into the same stretch of road.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Phelan, California
If you're involved in a crash with several vehicles, try to move to a safe spot off the travel lanes if your car is drivable and it's safe to do so. Call 911, even if injuries aren't obvious right away, since adrenaline can mask pain. Get checked by a medical provider as soon as possible after the scene clears. Take photos if you're able, note the vehicles and drivers around you, and get a copy of the CHP or sheriff's report once it's filed. If another driver leaves before exchanging information, report that to responding officers immediately so it can be documented.
