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SUN VALLEY, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 22, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash blocked lanes on southbound Interstate 5 near the Interstate 170 interchange Wednesday morning, October 21, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one injury was reported.
The CHP said the crash involved a dark gray Toyota 4Runner, a dark gray Jeep, and a third vehicle, and was first reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. near SB I-5 just north of the I-170 split. The collision blocked the HOV lane and the number one lane, backing up traffic in the area.
Dispatch logs show a party of five was reported inside the center divider area, blocking travel lanes, before all lanes were temporarily stopped to allow emergency crews to work the scene. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and logged its own incident number for the call.
Authorities reopened all lanes by midmorning and began moving vehicles off the freeway near the Sheldon Street area.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We hope those who were hurt recover quickly.
Local Crash Information for Sun Valley, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on I-5 in Sun Valley. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Los Angeles County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pile-ups like this one?
Chain-reaction crashes often start when one vehicle slows or stops suddenly and following traffic cannot react in time, especially in heavy freeway flow near interchanges.
Why do these chain-reaction crashes happen so fast?
Drivers following too closely or distracted for even a second or two can miss the first vehicle's braking, triggering a chain of impacts before anyone has time to stop safely.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a pile-up?
Leaving extra following distance, scanning several cars ahead, and slowing early when traffic bunches near interchanges can give drivers more time to react.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on the highway?
Stay in your vehicle if it's safe, turn on hazard lights, and wait for CHP or fire crews to direct traffic instead of trying to maneuver around the scene yourself.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Sun Valley, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe spot if your car is drivable and check on everyone nearby before doing anything else. Call 911 and wait for CHP or local fire crews to arrive, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away, so a medical check after the adrenaline fades is worth doing. Get a copy of the CHP incident report once it's available, and take photos of vehicle positions and damage if you're able to safely do so. Sun Valley drivers dealing with freeway pile-ups should also expect traffic delays to continue for a while after lanes reopen, so plan alternate routes if you're nearby.
