(Oakland, CA) One person was taken to a hospital Thursday afternoon, January 22, after a large multi-vehicle collision involving an overturned big rig shut down westbound lanes in a Highway 24 crash.
Oakland Fire Department officials said the collision occurred on westbound Highway 24 at the Highway 13 interchange. First responders arrived to find a major crash scene involving a total of nine vehicles. Officers found a big rig that had overturned and blocked all westbound lanes.
Firefighters and paramedics treated at least one injured person at the scene before transporting that individual to a hospital. Authorities did not release information about the patient’s condition, age, or gender. Authorities did not confirm any additional injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said they closed all westbound lanes of Highway 24 following the crash. Police diverted traffic onto Highway 13 as crews worked to secure the scene and manage congestion. Officials did not provide an estimated time for reopening, and delays extended into the afternoon commute.
Investigators did not release details about how the collision began or what caused the big rig to overturn. CHP officers remained on scene to document evidence and coordinate vehicle removal.
Overview on the Highway 24 Crash
When a major freeway collision involves multiple vehicles and a commercial truck, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on speed, following distance, and lane movement in congested freeway corridors.
Because a big rig overturned, investigators may examine the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Large trucks have higher centers of gravity, which makes them more vulnerable to rollovers during sudden maneuvers or when traveling too fast for conditions.
Authorities may also review the Following Too Closely Law. This law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance to allow adequate stopping time. In heavy freeway traffic, insufficient spacing can quickly lead to chain-reaction crashes involving many vehicles, as appears to have occurred in this Highway 24 crash.
If lane changes or merging activity contributed, investigators could consider the Unsafe Lane Change Law. This law requires drivers to ensure any movement can be made with reasonable safety before proceeding. Interchanges like Highway 24 and Highway 13 often involve heavy merging, which increases collision risk when drivers misjudge gaps or react abruptly.
Together, these statutes help guide CHP’s review of what may have led to the Highway 24 crash as evidence continues to be analyzed.
Guidance for the Family
If you are related to the person who was injured or are supporting their family, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and obtain the official CHP report when it becomes available.
You may also consider speaking with a legal professional experienced in multi-vehicle and commercial truck crashes to better understand your options. Emotional support and medical follow-up are important, and leaning on family members, friends, or recovery resources can help during a stressful and uncertain time.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
