Driver crashes off overpass onto Highway 99 in Sacramento, CHP says

The vehicle crashed through a fence before going off the overpass, causing debris to fall into the southbound lanes.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A driver was hospitalized after crashing their vehicle from an overpass onto Highway 99 in Sacramento, causing late-night traffic delays on Thursday. The California Highway Patrol's South Sacramento office said the driver veered off the Martin Luther King Jr. overpass onto northbound 99 shortly after 10 p.m. and suffered only minor injuries.

Why it matters

Overpass crashes can be extremely dangerous, both for the driver and for other motorists on the highway below. This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need for proper maintenance and safety measures on roadways and overpasses.

The details

The vehicle crashed through a fence before going off the overpass, causing debris to fall into the southbound lanes. Several vehicles struck that debris, but no other injuries were reported. The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation.

  • The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Traffic was moving again on both sides of the highway around 11 p.m.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling and investigating incidents on California's highways.

Martin Luther King Jr. overpass

The overpass from which the driver veered off, causing the crash onto Highway 99 in Sacramento.

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What’s next

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the initial crash.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder to all drivers to exercise caution and vigilance when navigating highways and overpasses, as unexpected events can have serious consequences for both the driver and other motorists.