READING, Berks County, PA, Sept. 25, 2026 — Multiple vehicles collided Thursday afternoon, September 24, on Route 422 eastbound near the Lancaster Avenue exit in Reading. At least one person was reported injured, according to a City of Reading dispatch log.
The crash was reported shortly after 5 p.m. and involved several vehicles, per the dispatch entry. Responders logged it as a motor vehicle accident with injuries.
The extent of the injuries has not been released. It is not yet known how many vehicles were involved beyond the "multiple" reported at the scene, or whether the crash caused lasting delays on the eastbound lanes.
No further details on cause or contributing factors have been made public. The incident remains under review, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Where Multi-Vehicle Pileups Tend to Cluster on Highways Like Route 422
Chain-reaction crashes that involve several vehicles tend to show up in predictable spots: stretches near highway exits and merge points, where speeds vary and drivers make sudden lane changes to reach an off-ramp. When traffic slows before an exit, it may catch following vehicles off guard, especially when sightlines are limited by curves, overpasses, or heavy volume.
Wide, high-speed corridors like Route 422 concentrate this risk because vehicles are moving at different speeds in tight spacing. When a driver brakes for an exit lane, they may trigger a rear-end collision that pulls in cars behind or beside them before anyone has time to react.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 365 large-truck occupants were killed in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Multi-vehicle crashes on interstates and expressways involve a mix of passenger cars and commercial trucks, which adds to the severity when a chain-reaction collision occurs near an exit or merge point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen?
They usually start with one vehicle braking or stopping suddenly, near an exit, merge, or backup, and the vehicles behind don't have enough space or time to stop safely, triggering a chain of impacts.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pileup?
Keeping a safe following distance, watching brake lights well ahead, and reducing speed early when traffic is slowing near an exit can give drivers more time to react before a chain reaction starts.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Turn on hazard lights, stay in the vehicle if it's safe to do so, and move to the shoulder or a safe area if possible. Call 911 to report the crash if it hasn't already been reported.
How does fog or low visibility contribute to pileups?
Reduced visibility shortens the distance drivers have to spot slowing traffic, which increases the chance that following vehicles rear-end each other in a chain.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Reading, PA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, check on yourself and any passengers first, then move to a safe location if the vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is hurt, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, so it's worth getting checked by a medical professional afterward. Exchange information with other drivers involved, and if possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, and any visible damage. Reporting the crash promptly to your insurance company and keeping a copy of the police report can help if questions come up later.
