A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Highway 87 in San Jose has resulted in at least two fatalities as of October 23, 2023. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed that the tragic incident, which occurred around 10:50 a.m., involved multiple vehicles, including Tesla and Lexus cars.
The collision, which took place north of Curtner Avenue, resulted in the deaths of an adult and a child. At least two other individuals were rushed to the hospital, with their conditions currently unknown, according to reports from ABC7 News.
Emergency crews battled a significant fire at the scene, leading to the closure of the northbound lanes of Highway 87 for several hours. Traffic was severely impacted, stretching back to Capitol Expressway, before the roadway was finally reopened by 3:45 p.m.
San Jose Fire Department Battalion Chief Bennett Yendery described the chaos, stating that firefighters encountered “multiple vehicles involved with fire.” He praised the team’s quick response in containing the flames, allowing for a safer environment to conduct their work. Despite the presence of electric vehicles with lithium batteries, Chief Yendery confirmed the fire was extinguished within a reasonable timeframe without additional complications.
CHP Officer Ross Lee addressed the complexities of such incidents, emphasizing the importance of understanding vehicle components in crash investigations. “We respond to crashes all the time… vehicles have many different working components,” he stated. Officer Lee underscored that determining the cause of the fire is a critical component of the ongoing investigation. “Obviously, when we have vehicles that are burnt up, we will have to examine those vehicles and make sure that our investigators are able to determine how this crash happened,” he added.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the vehicle that fled the scene. This incident highlights the urgent need for safety measures on busy highways, particularly as traffic patterns continue to evolve.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The community is urged to remain cautious while driving and to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies.
