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POMONA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash blocked lanes on southbound State Route 71 at Valley Boulevard early Sunday morning, September 27, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was reported injured, though the extent of injuries has not been released.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was first reported just before midnight, with one vehicle on the Valley Boulevard onramp and another vehicle ahead blocking a slow lane. Dispatch logs show the report was initially classified as a collision with unknown injuries before being updated to reflect a confirmed injury crash.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene, according to dispatch records. A tow truck was requested to clear the roadway, and a vehicle was later confirmed removed from the scene by tow, per the log.
The collision remains under review. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Nighttime Freeway Crashes
Many drivers assume freeway crashes are most dangerous because of high speeds alone, and that a crash involving passenger vehicles mainly threatens the people inside those cars. The bigger picture is more complicated. Traffic crashes also kill and injure people outside the vehicles themselves, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists caught in the same collision events.
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 the risks of any given collision, including one on an onramp or freeway lane at night, are not confined to the occupants of the cars involved.
Onramps and merge points, like the one described in this incident, add another layer of risk because vehicles are moving at different speeds as they join through traffic. That mismatch, more than raw speed itself, is often what turns a routine merge into a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds removes a driver's ability to react to sudden slowdowns, merging vehicles, or debris, which is especially risky in merge zones and onramps.
How do weather and road conditions contribute to crashes?
Wet pavement, poor lighting, and reduced visibility at night can all lengthen stopping distances and make it harder for drivers to judge the speed and position of other vehicles.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with other drivers. Document the scene with photos if you're able to safely do so.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at intersections, onramps, and merge points, where vehicles moving at different speeds or directions must react to each other quickly.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Pomona, CA
If you're involved in a collision in Pomona, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries and moving to a safe spot if the vehicle is drivable. Call 911 so responding agencies can document the scene and arrange medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, particularly from sudden impacts, aren't obvious right away.
Once everyone is safe, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and note the responding agency's incident number for your records. Follow up with a medical provider in the days after the crash if you notice any pain, stiffness, or other symptoms that weren't apparent at the scene.
