The California Highway Patrol says a northbound driver crossed into southbound traffic, and the highway stayed closed for several hours.
LOS ALTOS, CA - October 23, 2026
On Thursday evening, a five-car collision on southbound I-280 close to Foothill Expressway in Los Altos left two drivers dead and a third person in the hospital, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Key Facts
- Date: Thursday evening, shortly after 5 p.m. (first reported October 23, 2026)
- Location: Southbound I-280 near Foothill Expressway, Los Altos, California
- Type of crash: Five-vehicle crash
- Vehicles involved: Five cars
- Injuries / fatalities: Two people killed; one person hospitalized
- Responding agencies: California Highway Patrol
- Reported by: ABC7 San Francisco; KGO-TV
Crash Overview
According to the CHP, a northbound motorist moved into southbound traffic and hit four other cars, creating a five-car collision shortly after 5 p.m. on Thursday.
The highway was shut down for several hours while crews worked the scene and looked into the collision. Footage from after the crash showed overturned vehicles and tow trucks at the scene. Southbound lanes reopened around 9:30 p.m.
The collision killed two drivers, and one more person was taken to a hospital. The cause is still being investigated, and authorities have not said why the vehicle crossed into oncoming lanes.
People Involved
Two drivers were killed in the crash. A third person was hospitalized. No names, ages or hometowns have been reported.
Investigation Status
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The reports reviewed do not include any officially reported contributing factors, citations or charges.
Traffic Impact
Southbound I-280 was closed for several hours while crews responded and investigated. Southbound lanes reopened around 9:30 p.m.