Major Crash Snarls Traffic on Westbound I-80 in Citrus Heights

At least 5 people injured, with 1 in critical condition, after multi-vehicle collision

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A major crash involving multiple vehicles on westbound Interstate 80 in Citrus Heights, California caused significant traffic delays on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the Antelope Road exit, resulting in at least 5 people being injured, with 1 person reported to be in critical condition. Two westbound lanes were blocked due to the crash, though it was unclear when they would be cleared.

Why it matters

Interstate 80 is a major thoroughfare through the Sacramento region, and this crash has caused major disruptions to commuter and commercial traffic in the area. The severity of the injuries also raises concerns about public safety on the roadways.

The details

According to the Sacramento Metro Fire Department, the multi-vehicle crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday on the westbound side of Interstate 80 near the Antelope Road exit in Citrus Heights. At least 5 people were injured, with 1 person described as being in critical condition. The crash caused 2 of the westbound lanes to be blocked, though the California Highway Patrol has not yet provided an estimate on when those lanes will be cleared.

  • The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Sacramento Metro Fire

The local fire department that responded to the crash and provided details on the injuries.

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating the crash and managing the traffic response.

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What’s next

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and is expected to provide more details as they become available.

The takeaway

This major crash on a busy interstate highway highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need for continued infrastructure investment to improve road safety in the Sacramento region.