What Happened

On the morning of July 5, 2025, a five-vehicle chain-reaction crash brought traffic to a halt on eastbound Highway 120 just west of the Highway 99 interchange in Manteca, a major corridor junction in San Joaquin County. The crash occurred around 9:10 a.m., when morning traffic volumes were still substantial on the holiday weekend following Independence Day.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Stockton Area office, the collision began when one vehicle struck another, triggering a cascade of rear-end and lateral impacts that ultimately involved five vehicles in total. The wreckage blocked multiple lanes of eastbound Highway 120, creating significant traffic backups that stretched back through the interchange and affected commuters throughout the region.

Manteca Fire Department and emergency medical personnel responded quickly. Of the seven individuals injured, two sustained major injuries requiring transport to local hospitals for treatment. Five others were treated for minor injuries at the scene or transported for evaluation. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

CHP investigators are working to determine the root cause of the initial impact. Investigators are reviewing whether unsafe following distance, sudden braking, distracted driving, or excessive speed for conditions contributed to the crash. Witness statements, vehicle damage patterns, and any available traffic or commercial camera footage are all being examined as part of the reconstruction effort. Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact the CHP Stockton Area office.

Legal Options for the Seven Injured Victims

Multi-Vehicle Crash Statistics in California