Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash in South Sacramento

South Sacramento Multi‑Vehicle Crash on Mack Road Near Elsie Avenue Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

A serious multi‑vehicle collision on Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of a pedestrian and injuries to at least two others in South Sacramento. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of Mack Road and Elsie Avenue.

What Happened, According to Early Reports

Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle traveling eastbound on Mack Road reportedly ran a red light and struck another vehicle that was turning right onto Elsie Avenue from Stockton Boulevard. The force of the initial impact pushed one of the vehicles across the intersection and to the left, where it struck a pedestrian standing on a concrete island dividing the eastbound and westbound lanes. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities further reported that the vehicle that struck the pedestrian continued into the westbound lanes of Elsie Avenue and collided with additional vehicles. At least one vehicle overturned, and a person inside that vehicle was ejected and may have been struck by another vehicle during the chain of impacts.

The driver who struck the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries, and another individual was treated for complaints of minor injuries. CHP stated that it is not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were factors. The investigation remains ongoing.

Understanding Multi‑Vehicle and Pedestrian Collisions

Crashes at complex intersections often involve multiple vehicles, turning movements, and pedestrians using crosswalks or refuge islands. A red‑light violation can trigger a chain reaction as vehicles proceeding through a green signal have little time to respond. When a vehicle is pushed out of its intended path, secondary impacts—such as striking pedestrians, light poles, or other vehicles—can occur in seconds.

Pedestrians standing on concrete islands or medians are generally considered to be in a place of relative safety. However, high‑speed side impacts or angular collisions can redirect vehicles into these areas. The severity of injuries in such incidents can be compounded by factors such as speed at impact, vehicle size and height, roadway design, and sight lines.

Key Factors Investigators Typically Review

As authorities continue their investigation, they may examine several issues commonly relevant in multi‑vehicle and pedestrian cases:

- Signal timing and phasing: Whether the traffic signals functioned properly, including yellow‑and‑red intervals and protected turn phases.  
- Right‑of‑way and traffic‑signal compliance: Whether a red‑light violation occurred and by which vehicle(s).  
- Speed and braking: Skid marks, event data recorder (EDR) downloads, and roadway gouge marks can help reconstruct speeds and pre‑impact braking.  
- Vehicle trajectories and secondary impacts: Mapping the path of each vehicle to determine how the pedestrian and other motorists were involved.  
- Visibility and environmental conditions: Sun angle, lighting, weather, lane markings, and signage.  
- Driver impairment or distraction: Toxicology results, phone records, and driver statements.  
- Pedestrian position and movement: Location on the island, crosswalk proximity, and time‑and‑distance analysis relative to signal phases.  
- Video and witness accounts: Intersection cameras, business surveillance, bus cams, and dashcams frequently capture critical moments.  

Additional Considerations in Chain‑Reaction Crashes

Multi‑impact collisions can involve shared or shifting fault depending on each driver’s actions. In California, comparative negligence rules allow responsibility to be apportioned among multiple parties. Evidence of a traffic‑signal violation can be significant, and in some situations may support a negligence‑per‑se argument. However, investigators must still link the violation to the specific harms through careful reconstruction.

Chain-reaction crashes depend heavily on time-sensitive evidence—traffic-signal logs, event data recorder downloads, surveillance footage, and witness statements—that can be lost if not preserved promptly. Early legal involvement can be critical to understanding what happened and who bears responsibility.

Avian Law Group is experienced in coordinating independent investigations and working with accident-reconstruction experts in complex multi-vehicle and pedestrian cases. If your family is seeking answers or considering legal action after this Mack Road crash, contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin protecting your rights immediately.