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RIVERSIDE, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash involving a wrong-way vehicle shut down lanes on westbound State Route 91 at Van Buren Boulevard in Riverside, California, on Wednesday night, October 14, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person suffered moderate injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash involved four vehicles, reportedly a semi-truck, a sedan, an SUV, and another vehicle, though the full mix was not confirmed in later updates. One vehicle ended up facing the wrong way in the roadway, blocking two right lanes, and officers requested a second tow truck to clear the scene. Four vehicles were reported stopped on the right shoulder.
Riverside police units responded along with fire crews after reports described a white Ford F250 involved with a gray Honda Accord and a white sedan, all facing the wrong direction, investigators noted in dispatch updates. At least one injured patient was diverted to Riverside Community Hospital with moderate injuries. Cans described as alcohol containers were reported to have come out of one of the vehicles and were left in the lanes, creating an additional traffic hazard, though it was not confirmed whether alcohol played a role in the collision.
The collision was still blocking the slow lane as crews worked the scene, and a tow truck was delayed in traffic before arriving to assist. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no further details on possible citations or contributing factors have been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Riverside, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened at State Route 91 and Van Buren Boulevard in Riverside, CA. We cover crashes across Riverside County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Riverside County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Alcohol impairment is a common factor in wrong-way crashes nationally, since intoxication can cause a driver to enter an off-ramp or highway lane traveling the wrong direction. Investigators typically look at toxicology and witness accounts before confirming impairment in any specific case.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
They usually stem from driver confusion at interchanges, impairment, fatigue, or medical emergencies that cause a vehicle to enter a roadway against the flow of traffic. Poor visibility at night can also make it harder for a driver to recognize a wrong-way entry in time to correct it.
Why are wrong-way crashes so commonly fatal or severe?
Because the vehicles are closing toward each other rather than traveling in the same direction, the combined speed at impact is much higher than in a typical rear-end or sideswipe crash, which tends to produce more serious injuries.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Riverside, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, try to move to a safe location away from traffic before calling 911, since secondary collisions are a real risk on a freeway shoulder. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, as adrenaline can mask pain from a high-speed impact. Get a copy of the official crash report once it's available, note the responding agency, and keep any paperwork from medical visits in case symptoms develop later.
