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LOS ALTOS HILLS, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 24, 2026 — Two drivers died on Thursday evening, October 22, after a car crossed the median on Interstate 280 and struck oncoming traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. when a Lexus heading north reportedly veered off the roadway and struck the center concrete median. The impact sent the car overturning into the southbound lanes, where it collided with a southbound Kia SUV. The Lexus driver was ejected from the vehicle and landed on the freeway.
Two other southbound vehicles, a Tesla SUV and a Toyota SUV, were reportedly damaged by debris from the Lexus but were not involved in direct impact. Their drivers were not injured. A tire that came off the Lexus struck a Toyota sedan traveling nearby, killing that car's driver.
The identities of the two drivers who died have not been released. The southbound lanes of I-280 were shut down for more than four hours while crews worked the scene, with traffic diverted onto Magdalena Avenue.
The CHP said it has not determined whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. The agency is continuing to investigate and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
Local Crash Information for Los Altos Hills, CA
The fatal crash was reported on Interstate 280 in Los Altos Hills. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Santa Clara County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crash more likely to turn deadly?
Speed, the angle of impact, and whether vehicles cross into opposing traffic all raise the odds of a fatal outcome. A head-on or crossover collision tends to be more severe than a same-direction impact because closing speeds are much higher.
Does speed really change survival chances that much?
Yes. The faster a vehicle is moving, the more energy is released in a crash, and the body has less time to react before impact. Even modest increases in speed can mean the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal one.
Why do officials emphasize seat belt use so commonly?
A seat belt keeps an occupant inside the vehicle and spreads crash force across stronger parts of the body. Ejection, as reportedly happened in this crash, dramatically increases the risk of death.
What should a family do after a loved one dies in a crash like this?
Contact the investigating agency, in this case the CHP, for official updates and the case report. It can also help to keep records of any correspondence and to reach out to local support resources while the investigation continues.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Los Altos Hills, CA
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle wreck on a freeway, try to stay inside your vehicle if it's unsafe to exit, and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call 911 right away and wait for responders even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries from high-speed impacts don't show symptoms immediately. Get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, and request a copy of the official report once it's available. Take photos if it's safe to do so, and keep a record of any communication with insurers or investigators in the days that follow.
