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SEAL BEACH, Orange County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash blocked lanes on westbound Highway 22 near the I-405 interchange Thursday afternoon, October 22, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was reportedly injured.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash involved a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota RAV4, another SUV and a fourth vehicle on westbound Route 22 just east of the 405. Units arriving at the scene found two vehicles on the right shoulder with others blocking the roadway, the report indicated.
One occupant was reported holding their chest at the scene. The number one lane was blocked as crews worked the scene, and a medical helicopter crew at Station 91 was placed on standby as a precaution.
Fire crews briefly blocked an HOV lane on a nearby connector while responding, and tow services were requested to clear the vehicles. The CHP marked the incident closed by midafternoon, and the Freeway Service Patrol closed a related assist call around the same time.
The collision remains under review. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
More on Crashes in Seal Beach, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Highway 22 in Seal Beach, CA. We cover crashes across Orange County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Orange County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes happen?
They typically start when one vehicle slows or stops suddenly and following drivers don't have enough space or time to react, causing impacts to spread backward or sideways through traffic.
How can drivers avoid being caught in a pile-up?
Keeping a safe following distance, watching brake lights several cars ahead, and reducing speed in heavy or fast-moving traffic can help drivers react before a chain reaction reaches them.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on 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 active lanes.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Seal Beach, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, check yourself and any passengers for injuries before stepping out of the vehicle, and move to a safe area away from moving traffic if possible. Call 911 even for what seems like a minor collision, since injuries like chest pain or whiplash can take time to show symptoms. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene if you're able, and get checked by a medical provider afterward, even if you feel fine at the moment. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record that can matter later and helps catch injuries that aren't obvious right away.
