2 People Hospitalized after Startling Chain-Reaction Crash near Cemetery Road and Highway 101 [San Miguel, CA]

Injuries Reported in San Miguel Multi-Vehicle Accident near Cemetery Road and Highway 101

SAN MIGUEL, CA (June 9, 2026) – Sunday afternoon, a startling chain-reaction crash near Cemetery Road and Highway 101 sent 2 people to the hospital.

The incident began at about 3:00 p.m. near southbound Highway 101 and the 10th Street off-ramp in San Miguel.

Emergency crews responded to a roadside vegetation fire near Cemetery Road and Highway 101. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, the fire burned approximately 4 acres and spread at a moderate rate.

CHP Sgt. Charlie McMichael said the incident began when a truck towing a trailer suffered a tire blowout. Heavy smoke from the resulting vegetation fire reduced visibility to near zero and contributed to a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision blocked both southbound lanes of Highway 101, and northbound lanes were later closed because of the dangerous visibility conditions. Both directions remained closed for about an hour while officers conducted round-robin traffic control, escorting groups of vehicles through the smoke.

Two people were transported to Adventist Health Sierra Vista, including one person with major head injuries. Other individuals involved reported pain-related injuries. The incident was later upgraded to a major-injury crash.

Traffic was diverted in the San Miguel and northern Paso Robles area while emergency crews worked at the scene. By about 5:10 p.m., both directions of Highway 101 had reopened, although round-robin traffic control remained in effect as smoke gradually cleared and traffic congestion eased.

The incident remains under investigation.

What’s Next after the Startling Chain-Reaction Crash near Cemetery Road and Highway 101

It is important to drive defensively/abide by all driving laws. By doing so, you can ensure your safety and the safety of surrounding vehicles, motorists, and pedestrians.

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