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THOUSAND OAKS, Ventura County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash on southbound US-101 near South Westlake Boulevard sent at least one vehicle off the roadway Thursday evening, October 22, and left the California Highway Patrol searching for a car that reportedly fled the scene while smoking.
The CHP said the collision was first reported as a crash with unknown injuries before being upgraded to an injury crash shortly after 6 p.m. Dispatch logs describe a gray Honda Civic involved with a black Toyota sedan, and separately reference a black Toyota Corolla and a dark-colored vehicle in the same incident.
A caller told dispatchers a black sedan was smoking and appeared to merge onto southbound US-101 at Hampshire Road, possibly trying to leave the area before crews arrived. Units could not immediately confirm a description of that vehicle. Ventura County Fire Department crews responded to the scene, located on the southbound side just north of Lindero, and confirmed a second collision location near the Ventura county line.
Fire crews requested a CHP officer meet them at the scene, and the log shows at least one vehicle resting on the right shoulder with another possibly further off the roadway. Lane closures and a temporary signal at a nearby ramp followed as crews worked the scene into the evening.
The CHP's investigation remains open. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
Local Crash Information for Thousand Oaks, CA
The crash was reported at US-101 and South Westlake Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Ventura County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one? Multi-vehicle collisions on freeways are often tied to sudden lane changes, following too closely, or a vehicle slowing unexpectedly in traffic, though the cause here has not been confirmed.
Why does speed make a difference in these crashes? Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the distance needed to stop, which often makes impacts harder and injuries more severe.
How dangerous is leaving the scene of a crash? Fleeing a collision, especially one involving a vehicle that may have mechanical damage or fire risk, can delay medical help and complicate the investigation for everyone involved.
Do weather or road conditions play a role in freeway crashes? Wet pavement, glare, or heavy traffic can all affect how much control a driver has, though none of these factors has been cited in this incident.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Thousand Oaks, CA
If you're involved in a freeway collision, try to move to the shoulder if your vehicle is drivable and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call 911 right away, especially if a vehicle is smoking or leaking fluid, since that can signal a fire risk. Stay as far from moving lanes as safely possible while waiting for help. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical check is worth doing, since adrenaline can mask pain after a crash. Get the names of any responding agencies and ask how to obtain the official report once it's available, which can help later if you need to file an insurance claim.
