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SAN LEANDRO, Alameda County, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 — Several people were hurt on Sunday afternoon, September 27, in a multi-vehicle crash on southbound I-880 near the Washington Avenue off-ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported around 1:34 p.m. and involved at least three vehicles, including a Chevrolet Camaro, a Toyota Highlander, a sedan, and a minivan, per the CHP incident log. The agency's dispatch notes describe a chain of impacts on the right side of the freeway before the vehicles came to rest, blocking the slow lane.
A passing fire engine crew reported that people from the Camaro had abrasions to the neck and head and said some of those involved were up and walking around, CHP records show. An ambulance was requested for injuries, and the roadway's slow lane and the Washington Avenue off-ramp were blocked for a period while crews worked the scene. Tow trucks were also called to clear vehicles with major front-end damage.
CHP units remained on scene into the afternoon, and a follow-up investigation was opened at a nearby freeway location. All lanes had reopened by around 3 p.m., dispatch logs indicate. The exact cause of the crash has not been released and remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What Makes a Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crash So Damaging
Speed is the main reason a pileup on a freeway does more damage than a crash at slower speeds on a surface street. The faster vehicles are moving when they collide, the more energy has to go somewhere, into crumpling metal, into the vehicles' frames, and into whatever the vehicle strikes next. On a highway like I-880, differences in closing speeds between vehicles can turn what might be a low-speed fender bender into a chain reaction involving several cars.
Vehicle weight and shape matter too. A heavier vehicle transfers more force into a lighter one on impact, and the front and rear ends of most cars are built with crumple zones designed to absorb that force before it reaches the passenger compartment. Side panels and door areas have far less built-in protection, which is why crashes involving a vehicle spinning or getting struck from the side often cause more harm than a straightforward front-to-back impact.
Seat belts and airbags reduce the forces that act on occupants, but they work within speed-related limits. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. That volume reflects how often ordinary conditions, a moment of following too closely or braking too late at highway speed, can escalate into a multi-vehicle event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and, if safe, take photos of the vehicles and the scene before traffic or towing changes the layout.
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
Crashes cluster at busy corridors and freeway interchanges where vehicles merge, exit, or change speed quickly, similar to ramp areas on highways such as I-880.
What can drivers do to avoid being in a multi-vehicle crash?
Keeping a safe following distance, avoiding distractions, and slowing down in heavy traffic or near merge points gives a driver more time to react if traffic ahead suddenly slows or stops.
What injuries are most common in multi-vehicle crashes?
Neck and head injuries, along with cuts and bruises from broken glass or impact with the interior of the vehicle, are frequently reported, ranging from minor to more serious depending on speed and impact angle.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Leandro, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a freeway in San Leandro, try to move to the shoulder if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside the vehicle if you're stopped in a live lane, since walking around near moving traffic adds risk.
Get checked by a medical professional even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms like whiplash or internal bruising can take hours to appear. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with your insurance provider once you've had time to assess the damage and any medical needs.
