Available 
LOS ALTOS HILLS, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — Two people died Thursday evening, October 22, after a vehicle crossed several lanes of southbound I-280 and rolled over near the Foothill Expy offramp, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash involved as many as eight vehicles and shut down all southbound lanes for hours.
The CHP said a vehicle crossed three lanes of traffic before striking the center divider and rolling multiple times, coming to rest on its side across the roadway. Early radio traffic described debris scattered across all lanes and people possibly trapped inside one of the vehicles. At least two vehicles were confirmed involved within the first minutes, with reports growing to a reported eight-vehicle chain reaction as more callers reported into dispatch.
The CHP requested an ambulance for injuries and later confirmed a possible fatality, prompting notification of the coroner. The Santa Clara County Coroner's Office responded to the scene. A nearby driver reportedly told dispatchers her car was struck by flying debris from the crash and that she had stopped about 200 yards away.
All southbound lanes of I-280 were blocked for an extended period, and a SigAlert was issued advising drivers to seek alternate routes. Crews diverted southbound traffic off the freeway at Magdalena Avenue while tow trucks and Caltrans crews worked to clear wreckage and debris. The CHP said the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office helped close the Magdalena onramp to southbound I-280 during the cleanup.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
More on Crashes in Los Altos Hills, CA
This fatal crash happened on I-280 in Los Altos Hills, CA. We cover crashes across Santa Clara County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Santa Clara County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rollover crashes more likely on certain types of roads?
Rollovers happen more often on highways and roads with higher speeds, especially where a vehicle can cross a median or shoulder and catch an edge or uneven surface. Sudden lane changes or sideswipes at highway speed can also trigger a rollover.
What injuries are common in rollover crashes?
Occupants can suffer head and spinal injuries, broken bones, and injuries from being thrown against the roof or ejected if not properly restrained. Severity often depends on seatbelt use and whether the vehicle has rollover protection.
What usually causes a vehicle to roll over?
A rollover can start with a loss of control, a sharp steering correction, a tire blowout, or a collision that pushes a vehicle sideways into a curb, divider, or another car at speed.
Why do rollover crashes often involve multiple vehicles?
Once a vehicle rolls or comes to rest across lanes, following traffic often has little time to react, which can turn a single-vehicle rollover into a chain-reaction crash.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in Los Altos Hills, CA
If you're involved in or witness a rollover crash, call 911 immediately and stay in a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional, since injuries from a rollover aren't always obvious right away. Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as you can, and keep copies of any medical records or police reports connected to the incident. If you're unsure what steps to take next, local resources in Los Altos Hills can help guide you through the reporting and recovery process.
