The accident occurred at approximately 12:36 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, on northbound Interstate 5 near the Tuolumne Avenue Overcrossing, authorities reported.
Coalinga, CA – At least one person was seriously injured following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in Coalinga Friday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:36 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, on northbound Interstate 5 near the Tuolumne Avenue Overcrossing, authorities reported.
Preliminary information indicates a vehicle, possibly an SUV, was traveling northbound on I-5 when it began swerving toward the shoulder and off the roadway. A big rig driver reported hearing a loud noise and later advised authorities that the SUV appeared to have struck the rear of the truck before leaving the highway. The vehicle then reportedly crashed into a tree and continued into an orchard field, coming to rest about 100 feet off the roadway.
Authorities confirmed that at least one person sustained serious injuries in the crash. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, and responders requested both air and additional ground medical units, including a SkyLife medical helicopter, to assist with patient transport. The total number of injured individuals has not yet been confirmed, and no arrests were immediately reported.
Officers from the California Highway Patrol responded to the scene along with CAL FIRE crews and emergency medical personnel. Responders worked to assist victims, assess injuries, and secure the crash site.
The collision caused traffic disruptions along northbound Interstate 5, with authorities implementing traffic breaks near the Tuolumne Avenue area while emergency crews worked at the scene.
The Coalinga crash remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as the inquiry continues.
Crash Statistics
Traffic collisions continue to pose a major safety issue across California highways, including Interstate 5. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California recorded 4,428 traffic fatalities in 2022, with thousands of additional serious injury crashes reported statewide each year. Data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) also indicates that high-speed highways and rural roadways frequently experience severe collisions involving passenger vehicles and large trucks.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An accident attorney will help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted car accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.