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SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash blocked lanes on northbound Highway 87 at West Capitol Expressway Thursday morning, October 22, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was taken to a hospital with injuries described as precautionary.
The CHP said the crash was first reported shortly before 7 a.m. near the West Capitol Expressway on-ramp to northbound 87. A red 2025 Toyota Camry hybrid was reportedly involved in the initial impact with another vehicle, and the agency's call log noted the Camry was left facing the wrong way in a travel lane. One person was reportedly seen sitting on top of a vehicle after the crash, and a caller in a blue Tesla Model 3 asked for a tow.
The incident grew to involve four vehicles total, including a white Ford SUV identified as a company vehicle and a white van, in addition to the Camry. CHP initially logged the call as a collision with unknown injuries before updating it to a minor-injury crash. An ambulance was requested for one person hurt in the crash, and medics took that patient to a hospital as a precaution.
By about 7:30 a.m., authorities said two tow trucks had been requested for a red Toyota Camry with major rear damage and a white Nissan work van with major front-end damage. The CHP also closed two lanes on northbound 87 to manage the scene and clear the vehicles.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full recovery.
Crash Reports and Road Safety in San Jose, CA
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Highway 87 in San Jose, CA. Anyone involved in a crash in San Jose usually needs a copy of the police report, and our local crash guide for San Jose, CA explains how to request one and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic?
Leaving enough space between vehicles gives drivers time to react if traffic ahead slows or stops suddenly. Tight following distances are a common factor when one crash triggers another close behind it.
Do crashes like this often lead to a second collision?
Yes. Once a crash blocks a lane, vehicles arriving behind it may not have enough time or room to stop, which can produce additional impacts before the scene is secured.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than a two-car crash?
Investigators have to determine the order of impacts, which vehicle struck which, and whether any one collision set off the others. That takes longer when several drivers and vehicles are involved.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in San Jose, CA
If you're involved in a pileup, try to stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on until it's safe to check on others, especially if you're stopped in a travel lane. Turn on hazard lights and call 911 so dispatchers know how many vehicles and people are involved. Even if you feel fine, ask for a medical evaluation at the scene or soon after, since injuries from a multi-vehicle crash aren't always obvious right away. Take photos if you can do so safely, get contact information from other drivers and witnesses, and file a report with police before leaving the scene.
