2 Killed, Including Child, After Fiery Four-Vehicle Highway Crash

A tragic crash on northbound Highway 87 in San Jose late Tuesday morning left an adult and a child dead and sent two others to the hospital. The collision happened just before 11 a.m., right past the Curtner Avenue exit south of downtown.

Drivers passing by were met with a devastating scene: a four-car pileup that sparked an intense fire, engulfing three of the vehicles in flames. The smell of burnt rubber lingered across the freeway as firefighters and first responders worked to put out the blaze and help survivors.

Video from the scene showed heavy flames pouring from the wrecked vehicles. According to the California Highway Patrol, at least five people were inside those three burning cars. Remarkably, all three drivers managed to escape. But two passengers in a Lexus were unable to get out in time. Both—a child and an adult—died inside the vehicle.

CHP Officer Ross Lee confirmed the fatalities and said two other drivers were taken to the hospital, though details on their injuries were not immediately available. At this point, investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played any role in the crash.

The wreck left the vehicles scattered in chaotic positions: two Teslas ended up angled perpendicular to traffic, and the Lexus that caught fire was crushed against the median. A Toyota Sienna involved in the collision was damaged but able to drive away.

Officer Lee explained that because fatalities were involved and three of the vehicles were burned, investigators needed extra time to carefully examine every detail. That led to long lane closures and miles of backup as traffic was diverted off the freeway at Curtner. All lanes finally reopened around 3:45 p.m.