Two drivers were killed Thursday evening, Oct. 22, when a northbound Lexus flipped over the Interstate 280 median near Foothill Expressway in Los Altos Hills and landed in southbound traffic, the California Highway Patrol said.
Why it matters: The five-vehicle crash shut all southbound lanes of I-280 for about four hours during the evening commute, with traffic detoured to Magdalena Avenue.
What CHP says happened
- Around 5:10 p.m., the Lexus driver, for unknown reasons, went up a dirt embankment on the northbound side, hit the concrete median and overturned onto the southbound lanes, striking a Kia SUV.
- The Lexus driver was ejected and died at the scene.
- The Lexus's right front tire came off and hit a Toyota sedan, killing its driver.
- The Kia driver was taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center with minor injuries. A Tesla SUV and a Toyota SUV were damaged by debris; their drivers were not hurt.
All southbound lanes reopened at about 9:11 p.m.
What's next
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner had not identified the two drivers as of Friday. CHP says it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call CHP at 650-779-2700.