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SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Nov. 12, 2026 — A wrong-way crash on northbound US-101 near Hellyer Avenue sent at least one vehicle onto its roof on Wednesday afternoon, November 11, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The report indicates a white pickup truck was heading south in the northbound lanes of US-101 when it collided with a white sedan near the Hellyer Avenue overcrossing. A white Honda Accord was also reported involved in the crash, and dispatch notes describe a Mazda 3 that came to rest on its roof, along with a white Nissan pickup with damage to its right side.
The log lists the incident as a minor-injury crash, and an ambulance was requested to the scene. Dispatchers later sought clarification on the extent of injuries and whether lanes remained blocked, but no update on injury severity was logged. Fire crews also responded and reportedly blocked a lane on the northbound side while working the scene.
At one point, units noted all northbound lanes blocked near the crash, and the number 5 lane remained closed while a tow truck worked to right an overturned vehicle. CHP's Freeway Service Patrol was also called in to assist and closed out its portion of the response by early evening. The CHP has not released additional details on how the crash occurred.
We hope everyone involved is okay, and we will share more as details are confirmed.
Local Crash Information for San Jose, CA
This crash happened at US-101 and Hellyer Avenue in San Jose, CA. For more on crashes in San Jose, including local crash figures, trauma care, and how to request a police report, visit our San Jose accident resource page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many freeways use reflective wrong-way signs, lowered sign placement aimed at driver eye level, and in some areas sensors that alert highway patrol when a vehicle is detected traveling against traffic.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impaired driving is a common factor in wrong-way crashes nationally, though whether alcohol or drugs were involved in this particular crash has not been confirmed by the CHP.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
They are typically tied to driver impairment, confusion at interchanges or ramps, wrong turns at night, or medical emergencies behind the wheel. Investigators review scene evidence and witness accounts to determine the cause in each case.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
Divided highways with ramps, interchanges, and limited lighting tend to see more of these incidents, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas for the driver.
