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THERMAL, Riverside County, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash with a report of a person possibly trapped closed part of 62nd Avenue near Buchanan Street Wednesday evening, September 23, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol logged the collision near 62nd Avenue and Buchanan Street shortly before 7 p.m. Initial radio traffic described two vehicles involved and at least one person reportedly injured and possibly trapped inside a vehicle, the agency's incident log shows.
Cal Fire personnel were called to the scene and took over patient care. A tow truck was also requested to clear the vehicles from the roadway, and a second tow company was later added to the response, dispatch notes indicate.
The cause of the crash remains under review. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full recovery.
What Makes a Two-Vehicle Crash at an Intersection So Damaging
The severity of an intersection crash often comes down to closing speed, meaning how fast the two vehicles are moving relative to each other at the moment of impact. A crash where one vehicle is turning or slowing can look very different from one where both vehicles are near full speed, even if the vehicles themselves are similar in size.
Vehicle design also plays a role. Modern cars are built with crumple zones at the front and rear meant to absorb energy and collapse in a controlled way, while the passenger cabin is reinforced to resist caving in. But side impacts, which are common in intersection crashes, hit a part of the vehicle with less structure between the occupant and the point of impact. Airbags and seatbelts reduce the risk of injury, but they cannot fully offset a hard hit from the side or a mismatch in vehicle weight.
Impairment and fatigue remain common factors in intersection crashes because both slow the reactions a driver needs to judge gaps, speeds and stopping distances correctly. A driver who is drowsy or impaired may misjudge how much time is left to clear an intersection, turning what should have been a routine stop or turn into a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, cuts and bruises, and injuries to the head, chest or limbs are common in car crashes. Severity depends on speed, the angle of impact, and whether occupants were restrained.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and failure to yield are frequently cited factors in crash reports nationwide.
How does speed affect crash severity?
Higher speeds increase both the force of impact and the distance needed to stop, which raises the likelihood of serious injury even in a crash that would otherwise be minor.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Taking eyes, hands or attention off the road for even a few seconds can prevent a driver from reacting in time to avoid a crash, especially at intersections where timing matters most.
What to Do After a Two-Vehicle Crash in Thermal, CA
If you're involved in a two-vehicle crash, move to a safe spot if possible and call 911 to report injuries or hazards. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away.
Exchange information with the other driver and note details of the scene while they're fresh, including where and when the crash happened. If law enforcement responds, ask how to obtain a copy of the official report once it's available. Reporting the crash to your insurance provider promptly can also help avoid delays in any claims process.
