SHINGLE SPRINGS, Calif. — Jan. 22, 2026
A multi-vehicle crash blocked eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 50 near the Ponderosa Road exit Thursday afternoon, forcing traffic to divert through the median and prompting a major emergency and tow response, according to California Highway Patrol dispatch logs.
The collision was reported shortly before 12:34 p.m. eastbound Highway 50, just east of the Ponderosa Road exit and west of Shingle Springs. CHP records indicate at least two vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage, including a red Toyota Camry, while another vehicle was reported off the roadway and down an embankment approximately five feet from the shoulder.
One witness who stopped at the scene described a sudden and violent sequence of events.
“I saw the silver car go through the median, then fly through eastbound traffic going at least 60,” the witness said. “The car went perpendicular into oncoming traffic and over the embankment. I pulled over to call 911, but a lot of people got out of their cars to help. It was awful to see right in front of me.”
CHP dispatch logs corroborate reports that a vehicle crossed from the westbound lanes into eastbound traffic, striking another vehicle head-on before leaving the roadway. Additional logs reference a vehicle down a ravine and into trees, increasing the complexity of the recovery operation.
“Lanes are currently blocked, traffic passing in the median,” CHP dispatch noted during the response, adding that heavy tow equipment would be required to clear the scene.
Multiple towing services were requested, including Extreme II Towing and Wap Towing, with CHP indicating a wrecker and dolly were needed due to the extent of damage and off-road vehicle positioning.
As of the latest CHP update, no confirmed information on injuries had been released. Dispatch records noted that all involved parties were accounted for as emergency crews worked the scene.
Eastbound traffic experienced significant delays during the early afternoon hours while first responders managed traffic control, assisted motorists, and cleared debris.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. CHP has not yet released details regarding speed, impairment, or whether citations will be issued.
Sources
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California Highway Patrol incident and dispatch logs, Jan. 22, 2026
