SAN DIEGO, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 17, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash that included a rollover shut down lanes on northbound Interstate 805 near University Avenue on Friday night, October 16. At least one person was reportedly hurt.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first reported as a two-vehicle collision shortly after 10:17 p.m. and was quickly updated to involve three vehicles. Radio traffic described two vehicles coming to rest in the center divider and one vehicle rolling over multiple times before stopping on the right shoulder.
One driver, reportedly behind the wheel of a Toyota RAV4, told dispatchers over the radio that another vehicle had struck them from behind and that they had come to rest on the right shoulder. Investigators have not said which vehicle rolled or how many people were involved in total.
All lanes were reported stopped at one point as crews worked the scene, and the CHP said traffic was later being held with a break near University Avenue. A tow truck was requested for a black SUV left on the right shoulder, and the number one lane remained affected by debris well after the initial crash. The extent of injuries has not been released.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The California Highway Patrol has not said whether impairment, speed, or another factor contributed.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in San Diego, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported at Interstate 805 and University Avenue in San Diego. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our San Diego accident resource page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "tripped" rollover?
A tripped rollover happens when a vehicle's tires catch on something, such as a curb, soft shoulder, or another car, causing it to tip and roll rather than slide. It's different from an "untripped" rollover, which can occur on flat pavement during sharp steering maneuvers, usually involving taller, top-heavy vehicles.
How can rollover risk be reduced on the road?
Keeping speed appropriate for traffic conditions, avoiding abrupt lane changes, and maintaining safe following distance all lower the chance that a minor collision turns into a rollover. Properly inflated tires and avoiding overloaded cargo also help a vehicle stay stable if it's struck or forced to swerve.
Are some roads more prone to rollover crashes?
Interstates with heavy traffic and frequent lane changes, like I-805, can see rollovers triggered by rear-end or side-impact collisions that push a vehicle off its path. Shoulders, medians, and uneven pavement edges can also contribute if a vehicle leaves the travel lanes.
What injuries are common when a vehicle rolls over?
Occupants can be thrown against the roof, windows, or each other as the vehicle turns over, leading to head, neck, and spinal injuries. Seatbelt use significantly lowers the chance of being ejected during a rollover.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in San Diego, CA
If you're involved in or witness a rollover crash, move to a safe area away from traffic if you're able, and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since symptoms from head or spinal injuries can take hours to appear. Stay put until officers arrive to document the scene, and if you're a driver involved, avoid moving your vehicle unless it's blocking active lanes and you're asked to do so. Take photos if it's safe, note what you remember about how the crash unfolded, and get the names and contact information of anyone else involved or nearby. Give yourself time to recover, both physically and otherwise, in the days that follow.