What Happened?
On September 5, 2026, one person died and three others were injured after a solo-vehicle crash on the westbound Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway at the San Fernando Road off-ramp in Pacoima, according to a City News Service report published by Patch. The collision was reported to the California Highway Patrol at about 8:18 p.m. If you or a loved one was injured in a serious California freeway collision, contact DC Law Group for a confidential consultation. Call (310) 571-8860
The report stated that the vehicle left the right shoulder, traveled down an embankment, and struck a tree. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The report did not identify the deceased person or explain whether that person was driving or riding in the vehicle. A CHP officer said the driver was conscious when evaluated by paramedics.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton said one injured person was transported to a hospital in serious condition. Two additional patients were hospitalized in fair condition. The report did not provide the ages or genders of the people involved.
What Is Known About the Pacoima 118 Freeway Crash?
The preliminary report provided these details:
- The crash occurred Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 8:18 p.m.
- The location was the westbound 118 Freeway at the San Fernando Road off-ramp in Pacoima.
- The crash involved one vehicle that left the right shoulder, went down an embankment, and struck a tree.
- One person died at the scene.
- One person was hospitalized in serious condition, and two others were hospitalized in fair condition.
- The incident was reported to the California Highway Patrol, and the investigation was continuing.
These are preliminary details from an early news account. They do not establish why the vehicle left the roadway, whether another person or condition contributed to the collision, or who may bear legal responsibility. Investigators may review roadway evidence, vehicle condition, witness information, available video, and medical records as they work to determine what happened.
What Should Injured People and Families Do After a Serious Crash?
People involved in a serious collision should follow emergency responders' instructions and obtain appropriate medical care. When it is safe and lawful, preserving photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, visible warnings, and surrounding traffic can help maintain evidence. Medical records, discharge paperwork, insurance communications, tow documents, and witness contact information may also be important later.
Families should avoid treating a preliminary report as a final conclusion about fault. A California personal-injury review depends on the collision facts, the injuries, available evidence, insurance coverage, and applicable deadlines. A lawyer can help an injured person understand the next steps without assuming that the early account answers every legal question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crash happen?
The crash was reported on the westbound Ronald Reagan, or 118, Freeway at the San Fernando Road off-ramp in Pacoima.
When was the collision reported?
The report stated that the California Highway Patrol received the report at approximately 8:18 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
How many people were injured?
Three people were injured. One was hospitalized in serious condition, and two were hospitalized in fair condition, according to the report.
Was anyone killed?
Yes. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary report did not identify the deceased person.
Has the cause of the crash been determined?
No. The available report described the vehicle leaving the shoulder, traveling down an embankment, and striking a tree, but it did not establish why that happened or determine legal responsibility.
Summary
One person died and three others were injured in a solo-vehicle crash on the westbound 118 Freeway at the San Fernando Road off-ramp in Pacoima on September 5, 2026. The California Highway Patrol was notified, one injured person was hospitalized in serious condition, and two others were hospitalized in fair condition. The early report did not determine the full cause of the collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a California roadway collision, contact DC Law Group for a confidential consultation. Call (310) 571-8860