San Jose, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision resulted in a fatality on northbound State Route 87 near the Interstate 280 connector, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 2:51 PM.
Authorities said the collision involved four to five vehicles, including a brown pickup truck, a blue Toyota Sienna, a white SUV, a white BMW, a red SUV, a black sedan, and an Infiniti Q50. Airbags deployed in at least three of the vehicles.
One party was reported to be possibly experiencing a seizure following the crash, and a baby was reported to be inside the Toyota Sienna.
Lanes two and three were blocked in the immediate aftermath of the collision, and the Curtner Avenue on-ramp to northbound State Route 87 was shut down as a precautionary measure following reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the ramp to avoid traffic.
San Jose Fire Department responded to the scene. A SigAlert was issued for lanes two and three, which remained closed for an extended period. Multiple tow trucks were requested for the vehicles involved, including an evidence tow for the blue Toyota Sienna. All lanes were reopened at approximately 5:22 PM, and the Curtner on-ramp was reopened shortly thereafter.
The incident was ultimately confirmed as a four-vehicle fatality. No additional details regarding the identity of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s comparative negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
