Truck Crash Shuts Down I-5 Lanes in San Diego

A collision involving a semi-truck and a sedan disrupted traffic on Interstate 5 in San Diego's Mission Hills area on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The crash occurred near the Washington Street off-ramp at approximately 9:44 a.m., sending the truck over the center divider, spilling fuel onto the roadway and forcing authorities to close multiple lanes.

Four occupants of the sedan were taken to a hospital for treatment, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Two people from the truck were evaluated at the scene but did not require hospitalization, while officials reported no other injuries.

The impact left the truck precariously positioned across the freeway divider, with portions extending into the southbound lanes. Authorities also reported that the truck's cabin briefly caught fire, prompting emergency crews to respond and manage the fuel spill.

According to NBC 7 San Diego, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said the truck's driver was ejected into the roadway, while a passenger exited with assistance through a window. Both declined medical treatment.

Preliminary findings cited by FOX 5/KUSI indicated that the semi-truck may have collided with a Volkswagen Jetta, causing the car to spin before the truck struck a barrier. Investigators had not released a definitive explanation for the collision.

The crash forced extensive closures in both directions of I-5. CHP diverted northbound traffic to Sassafras Street, while southbound vehicles were also directed off the freeway as crews secured the scene and cleaned up the spilled fuel.

Four northbound lanes and two southbound lanes were initially closed, according to NBC 7 San Diego. The closures created significant backups extending from Old Town Avenue toward Sixth Avenue and Tenth Avenue.

Cleanup crews spread dirt over the spilled fuel to help manage the hazardous roadway conditions. Authorities also brought in a crane to remove the damaged truck from its position over the freeway lanes.

By approximately 4:15 p.m., southbound lanes had reopened, according to NBC 7 San Diego. At about 4:20 p.m., CHP San Diego reported that the left two northbound lanes south of Washington Street remained closed for cleanup.

ABC 10News reported that the three rightmost numbered northbound lanes near Washington Street were still closed at approximately 4:30 p.m. as crews continued clearing the crash site. The differing lane descriptions reflected updates issued at different times during the afternoon.

Authorities had not announced a final determination of the cause of the crash in the reports published Tuesday. The incident remained under investigation while cleanup operations continued on the affected section of Interstate 5.