Woman Airlifted After Crash on 5 Freeway During Tire Change

The incident occurred near Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A woman was airlifted to a hospital in La Jolla, California, after she was injured while changing a tire on her car on the southbound San Diego (5) Freeway in Oceanside. The woman was reportedly on the right shoulder when a pickup truck struck either her or her vehicle.

Why it matters

Incidents like this highlight the dangers drivers face when stopped on the side of busy highways, especially for routine tasks like changing a tire. This raises concerns about highway safety and the need for greater awareness and precautions when vehicles are disabled on the roadside.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported at 4:52 p.m. on Sunday near the Las Pulgas exit. The driver of the pickup truck claimed he struck the woman's car, not the person directly. The injured woman was airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for treatment.

  • The crash was reported at 4:52 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for greater highway safety measures and awareness to protect drivers who are forced to stop and change tires or perform other roadside repairs. It highlights the risks faced by vulnerable motorists on busy freeways and the importance of taking extra precautions in these situations.