Major Injuries Reported in 3-Vehicle Crash Near Santa Margarita

Highway 101 was closed for over an hour following the early morning collision.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A three-vehicle crash on northbound Highway 101 south of Santa Margarita, California resulted in major injuries and the closure of the highway for more than an hour on Friday morning. The collision involved a white Chevy, a semi-trailer truck, and a black sedan.

Why it matters

Highway 101 is a major thoroughfare in the region, and any significant crash that closes the road can cause major disruptions and delays for travelers. The severity of the injuries also raises concerns about public safety on the roads.

The details

According to the report, the three-vehicle collision occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near Tassajara Creek Road. Northbound Highway 101 was closed to traffic for approximately an hour and a half as authorities responded to the scene.

  • The crash was reported shortly after 3 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Northbound Highway 101 was closed for around 1.5 hours following the collision.

The players

Highway 101

A major north-south highway running through California's Central Coast region.

Santa Margarita

A small town in San Luis Obispo County, California located along Highway 101.

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What’s next

CalCoastNews has indicated they will provide additional details on the crash once more information becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the potential for major disruptions when serious crashes occur on critical transportation corridors like Highway 101.