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SAN DIEGO, San Diego County, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash reportedly injured at least one person on southbound I-5 at the SR-75 interchange near the Coronado Bridge on Thursday afternoon, September 24, the California Highway Patrol said. The collision was initially reported as a three-vehicle crash and later grew to a report of as many as five vehicles involved.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first called in shortly after 1:30 p.m. as a three-vehicle collision on the right side of the freeway, with debris scattered across the lanes. Within minutes, dispatch logs show the incident was updated to a possible five-vehicle crash. An ambulance was requested for the scene, and at least two vehicles, including a Toyota Tundra and a Honda Accord, needed tow trucks.
Fire crews responded and blocked two slow lanes while working the scene, according to the police. Separately, a white Honda Odyssey that had been involved exited at 28th Street and pulled over just past the off-ramp; the driver, identified in dispatch notes only as S. Ramirez, reportedly declined medical transport when contacted by officers.
The extent of injuries to those involved has not been released. The California Highway Patrol has not said what caused the crash, and the investigation remains active.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Actually Cuts Down Multi-Vehicle Pileups on Freeway Interchanges
Freeway interchanges like the one connecting I-5 and SR-75 are common sites for chain-reaction crashes because merging traffic, lane drops, and speed differences all converge in a short stretch of road. Engineers have found that clearer sightlines, better-timed signals on connecting ramps, and wider shoulders that give drivers room to react all cut down on the pileups that follow an initial fender-bender.
One of the most dangerous parts of any multi-vehicle crash is what happens next. Cars that stop suddenly in travel lanes, along with the debris that scatters across the roadway, create a secondary hazard for oncoming drivers who have only seconds to react. Firefighters, tow operators, and officers working the scene face the same risk while shielded only by cones and flares. Rapid lane closures, like the ones used to block off slow lanes during Thursday's response, are one of the few tools that reliably reduce the chance of a second crash on top of the first.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 365 large-truck occupants were killed in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure reflects how quickly an initial collision on a busy corridor can multiply into something far more serious once other vehicles are drawn in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pileup?
Keeping a safe following distance and watching brake lights well ahead, not just the car directly in front, gives drivers more time to slow down before a chain-reaction crash reaches them.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a highway crash?
Turn on hazard lights, stay inside the vehicle if it's safe to do so, and move as far from moving traffic as possible. Standing near the roadway increases the risk of being struck by another vehicle.
How does fog or low visibility play into these crashes?
Reduced visibility shortens the time drivers have to see stopped traffic ahead, which is part of why pileups usually grow larger in fog, heavy rain, or smoke.
Why does following distance matter so much?
A longer gap between vehicles gives a driver more time to brake safely instead of swerving or rear-ending the car ahead, which is usually what turns a single crash into a multi-vehicle one.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in San Diego, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe spot away from traffic if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Call 911 and stay on the line for guidance. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth getting, since injuries like whiplash or internal bruising aren't always obvious right away. Exchange information with other drivers when possible, and take photos of the scene if you're able. Filing a report with the California Highway Patrol and following up with your insurer afterward helps make sure everything is documented while details are fresh.
