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VENTURA, Ventura County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash on US-101 North near Johnson Drive left at least one person with major injuries early Saturday morning, October 24, the California Highway Patrol said. The wreck blocked all lanes of the freeway for a period during the morning commute.
The CHP's initial dispatch described a two-vehicle collision involving a white Jeep and a white or silver Chevrolet, blocking three lanes. Within minutes, responders updated the report to say a third vehicle, a red Toyota Tacoma, was also involved and that its driver was trapped inside. Ventura County Fire Department crews were called in to handle the extrication.
One person was taken to Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries.
All lanes of the northbound freeway were blocked before traffic was gradually let through, authorities said. Tow crews were requested to clear at least one heavy truck from the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More Crash News from Ventura County
This multi-vehicle crash happened on US-101 in Ventura, CA. For other recent crashes near Ventura, CA, visit our Ventura County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do chain-reaction crashes like this happen?
Multi-vehicle pileups typically start when one driver brakes suddenly or loses control, leaving little time for vehicles behind to react. Reduced visibility, heavy traffic, and following too closely are common contributing factors.
What should I do if traffic is stopped near a crash on the highway?
Turn on hazard lights as soon as you slow down, leave room ahead of your vehicle, and stay inside your car with a seatbelt on unless it's unsafe to remain there. Watch mirrors for vehicles approaching from behind.
How does low light or fog make pileups more likely?
Reduced visibility during early morning hours cuts down the distance drivers have to see and react to slowed or stopped traffic ahead, which can turn a single crash into a multi-vehicle one.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Ventura, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle wreck, try to move to a safe area only if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Check on passengers and other drivers, and call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Get checked by a medical provider as soon as possible, and keep records of any treatment. Exchange information with other drivers, and if law enforcement responds, request a copy of the report number for your records.
