San Jose, CA – On the evening of Monday, September 21, 2026, a three-vehicle collision resulted in a fatality on Highway 101, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:31 PM on southbound Highway 101 near the Oakland Road off-ramp.
Authorities said the collision involved a black Toyota Prius, a gray Nissan sedan, and a black Toyota Camry, blocking the middle lanes. San Jose Fire Department responded and blocked the Oakland Road off-ramp. The Toyota Camry sustained moderate front-end damage, the Nissan Juke sustained minor front and rear damage, and the Toyota Prius sustained moderate rear-end damage. Both parties involved were transported to Regional Medical Center. Investigators later clarified that the incident actually involved two separate collisions resulting in three fatalities.
Tows were requested for all three vehicles, with the Toyota Camry designated as an evidence tow. All lanes were reopened at approximately 2:06 AM.
No additional details regarding the identities of the deceased had been released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.
San Jose Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care to avoid causing collisions that endanger other motorists. When a multi-vehicle crash results in multiple fatalities, investigators with California law enforcement examine the actions of each driver involved, as well as the sequence of the two separate collisions, to determine which party or parties may bear liability.
Because this incident has been clarified as two separate collisions rather than a single continuous crash, establishing the precise sequence of events and which vehicles were involved in each collision will likely be central to determining liability for each of the three deaths. The families of those who died may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
