Two Drivers Killed in Five-Car I-280 Crash Near Foothill Expressway

A Northbound Car Crossed Into Southbound Traffic

The California Highway Patrol said the crash was reported at about 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, on Interstate 280 near the Foothill Expressway exit in Los Altos Hills. A Lexus sedan traveling northbound went up a dirt embankment, hit the concrete median and overturned into the southbound lanes.

The Lexus struck a Kia SUV in the southbound lanes. CHP said the Lexus driver was thrown from the car, and a tire that came off the Lexus struck the driver of a Toyota sedan. Debris from the Kia damaged a Tesla SUV and a Toyota SUV that were ahead of it.

Two Drivers Died at the Scene

The driver of the Lexus and the driver of the Toyota sedan were pronounced dead at the scene. The Kia driver was taken to a hospital. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner had not released the names of the two people who died.

Southbound I-280 was closed for about four hours while crews cleared the scene.

The Cause Is Still Under Investigation

CHP has not said why the Lexus left the northbound lanes. It said it was not known whether alcohol or drugs played a role, and the investigation is ongoing. CHP asked anyone with information to contact its office.

What Families Should Know

When a crash involves several vehicles, more than one insurance policy may be involved, and the order of impacts matters. Families of drivers who were struck by a vehicle that crossed the median may have a wrongful death claim. Early steps to save photos, vehicle data and witness information can make a difference.

This article does not make any finding about fault.

Our thoughts are with the families of both drivers.