Tragic Crash on Calif. Highway Claims the Lives of 1 Child and 1 Adult

At least two individuals lost their lives in a four-car collision that erupted into flames on a San Jose, California highway on Tuesday, December 2. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the victims included an adult and a child.

The crash involved four vehicles: two Teslas, a Lexus, and a Toyota Sienna. Following the impact, the two Teslas and the Lexus caught fire. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene north of Curtner Avenue shortly after 10:50 a.m. local time.

"It was a significant response from the Fire Department, and upon arrival, crews encountered multiple vehicles engulfed in flames," said Battalion Chief Bennett Yendery.

Two individuals died at the scene, and two others were hospitalized. The condition of the survivors has not been released. Firefighters prioritized containing the flames, which involved heavy smoke and obscured the initial view of the scene. Once visibility improved, crews confirmed three vehicles were burning.

California Highway Patrol closed all northbound lanes near the accident, reopening them by 3:45 p.m. local time. Officials noted that the Teslas lithium batteries did not complicate firefighting efforts, and the blaze was extinguished within the expected timeframe.

The victims, an adult and a child, were traveling in the Lexus. The Lexus driver was hospitalized. The driver of the Toyota Sienna cooperated with investigators and was released, while a person from one of the Teslas was also hospitalized. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities do not suspect alcohol or drug use. The identities of those involved have not been disclosed.

Author: Jackson Miller