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SANTA CLARITA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 — Two trucks collided at the interchange of State Route 126 and Interstate 5 Tuesday afternoon, September 15, according to authorities, blocking the intersection and prompting a multi-agency response.
The crash was reported shortly after 3 p.m. near Newhall Ranch Road and SR-126, according to California Highway Patrol radio traffic. A white pickup truck towing a landscaping trailer reportedly collided with a second pickup truck, leaving the intersection blocked. One radio transmission indicated the white truck may have gone through a red light, though that has not been confirmed by investigators.
The other vehicle was reportedly T-boned in the collision. The extent of any injuries was not immediately known at the time of dispatch, and authorities have not released an official injury count. Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded, and a fire crew reportedly stood by as a precaution.
The crash briefly affected traffic on SR-126 eastbound over the I-5 and at the southbound I-5 off-ramp, according to scanner traffic. A tow truck was requested to remove at least one of the vehicles involved. The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station also sent a unit to the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the names of those involved or confirmed the number of people hurt.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What People Get Wrong About T-Bone Crashes at Intersections
Many drivers assume that side-impact crashes at intersections are rare compared to rear-end or head-on collisions, and that the driver with the right of way is largely protected from harm. In practice, being on the correct side of a green light does not reduce the physical impact of a vehicle striking the side of another car, where there is comparatively little metal and structure to absorb the force.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 1,947,298 passenger-vehicle occupants were injured in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes a wide range of crash types, but it reflects how often ordinary intersection travel, not just high-speed highway driving, results in real injury. A driver who has the right of way is not shielded from the physics of a collision.
Another common assumption is that these crashes only happen when someone is speeding recklessly. Many intersection collisions occur at ordinary city or highway approach speeds. What determines the outcome is often the angle of impact and where inside the vehicle the occupants are seated relative to the point of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes intersection or T-bone crashes?
Common factors include drivers running red lights or stop signs, misjudging the timing of a yellow light, or failing to see oncoming cross traffic. Distraction and limited visibility at the intersection can also play a role.
How does speed affect the severity of a crash like this?
Higher speed increases the force of impact and the distance a vehicle or its contents travel during the collision. Even modest increases in speed can meaningfully raise the risk of serious injury in a side-impact crash.
Why is distracted driving especially risky at intersections?
Intersections require constant attention to signals, cross traffic, and pedestrians. A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not focused on the road for even a few seconds can miss a red light or a vehicle already in the intersection.
Do weather or road conditions make T-bone crashes more likely?
Wet pavement, glare, or poor visibility can delay a driver's reaction time or affect stopping distance, making it harder to stop safely for a signal or to avoid a vehicle already crossing.
What to Do After a T-Bone Crash in Santa Clarita, CA
If you're involved in a side-impact crash, move to a safe location if the vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so, and check on other occupants before doing anything else. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor at first, since impacts to the side of a vehicle can cause injuries that aren't immediately obvious.
Exchange information with the other driver and note any details you can, such as the traffic signal, weather, or road conditions at the time. If Highway Patrol or local police respond, ask how to obtain a copy of the report once it's filed. Follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash if you notice pain, stiffness, or other symptoms that weren't apparent at the scene.
