[01-08-2026] San Diego County, CA – Multi-Vehicle Collision Disrupts Traffic on NB I-15 Near El Norte Parkway in Escondido

A chaotic multi-vehicle collision disrupted traffic on northbound Interstate 15 near the El Norte Parkway exit in Escondido on Thursday night, January 8, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident began around 7:45 p.m. when a white Chevy Camaro went off the freeway embankment, traveling through vegetation before coming to rest near the off-ramp. 

CHP logs indicated that a black BMW was seen driving recklessly at high speeds shortly before the collision, though it remains unclear whether the BMW was directly involved in the crash or fled the scene.

Emergency responders arrived to find multiple vehicles involved in the incident. A black 2010 Nissan Versa was located on the right shoulder of the freeway, a gray Honda Civic with right-side damage was found in the center divider north of the initial crash site, and the Camaro was near the off-ramp after leaving the roadway.

One person involved reported hitting their head during the crash, prompting a request for an ambulance. The extent of the injuries is currently unknown, but CHP confirmed that all parties were accounted for by 8:16 p.m.

Tow trucks were dispatched to remove three disabled vehicles from the roadway and the off-ramp. The investigation is ongoing.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.