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SAN DIEGO, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash with minor injuries shut down lanes on southbound Interstate 15 near State Route 163 Thursday evening, October 22, according to the California Highway Patrol. The wreck blocked the roadway's middle lanes for an extended period during the evening commute.
The CHP said the crash was first reported just north of the SR-163 interchange around 5:44 p.m. and involved a white Tesla, a black Tesla, a Honda Fit and a big rig. Dispatch logs show the collision was initially classified as an injury crash of unknown severity before CHP updated it to a minor-injury crash about a half hour later.
One driver, in the white Tesla, requested a tow truck. A hazard was also reported involving two of the vehicles separately before responders moved them to the roadway shoulder.
Investigators are looking into a report that a driver may have struck the big rig's right tire and left the scene, a possible violation of the state's hit-and-run law. CHP units were watching for a semi truck traveling southbound with front-end damage in connection with that report.
Officers kept all lanes blocked for a time near the interchange before traffic was able to move past the wreckage on the shoulder. The big rig involved was also relocated to the shoulder as crews worked to clear the scene.
The circumstances of the crash remain under review. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in San Diego, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported at Interstate 15 and State Route 163 in San Diego. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our San Diego road safety and crash report page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen?
They typically start when one vehicle brakes suddenly or is struck, leaving little room for vehicles behind it to stop before adding to the pile-up, especially in heavy traffic or when lanes narrow near an interchange.
How can drivers avoid being caught in a pile-up?
Keeping a longer following distance, watching brake lights several cars ahead, and slowing early near merge points or interchanges gives drivers more time to react if traffic suddenly stops.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay in your vehicle if it's safe to do so, turn on hazard lights, and move to the shoulder only if you can do so without stepping into traffic lanes. Call 911 to report injuries or blocked lanes.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in San Diego, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, check yourself and any passengers for injuries before exiting the vehicle, and move to the shoulder or a safe area if possible. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Exchange information with other drivers and get contact details for any witnesses nearby. Seek a medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine at the scene, and keep records of any treatment. Finally, file a report with the California Highway Patrol if one hasn't already been generated, and request a copy for your records.
