Willows, CA (April 8, 2026) – A series of crashes involving two big rigs and a passenger vehicle occurred early on Wednesday morning along Interstate 5 northbound near the Willows Rest Area.
The initial crash occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m., when a driver reportedly looked away from the road for a moment and struck the rear of a big rig ahead. The impact disabled the vehicle in the slow lane and damaged its electrical system, leaving it without functioning lights.
The driver exited the vehicle and moved to the shoulder for safety. Shortly after, a second big rig traveling in the same lane could not see the unlit vehicle and crashed into it. The second impact caused additional damage and left the big rig blocking the slow lane.
All parties involved exited safely, and no injuries were reported. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crashes, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Secondary Crashes Can Happen on Highways
Secondary crashes often occur when a first collision leaves a vehicle stopped in a travel lane. Drivers approaching the scene may not have enough time to react, especially if visibility is reduced.
Disabled vehicles without working lights can be difficult to spot, particularly in early morning or nighttime conditions. This increases the risk of another crash involving vehicles traveling at highway speeds.
Quickly moving to a safe location after a crash can help reduce danger. Highway conditions, traffic flow, and visibility all influence how these follow-up incidents unfold.
