By Crash News Writer 
Los Altos, CA (October 28, 2026) – Two drivers lost their lives in a five-vehicle collision on Interstate 280 in Los Altos on Thursday afternoon, October 22. The fatal accident occurred around 5:00 p.m. near the Foothill Expressway exit and involved a Lexus, Kia SUV, Toyota sedan, Tesla SUV, and Toyota SUV.
According to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office, the deceased drivers were identified as 19-year-old Brenno Henrique De Sousa Bittancourt of Belmont and 33-year-old Benjamin Alexander Hernandez of San Jose.
Investigators reported that a northbound Lexus left its travel lane, struck the concrete center median, and overturned into the southbound lanes of Interstate 280. During the rollover, the Lexus collided with a southbound Kia SUV, and its driver was ejected onto the roadway.
A tire that detached from the Lexus struck a Toyota sedan, killing its driver, Hernandez. Two additional vehicles, a Tesla SUV and a Toyota SUV traveling ahead of the Kia, sustained damage from debris.
The collision forced authorities to close southbound Interstate 280 for more than four hours. Motorists were diverted onto Magdalena Avenue while emergency crews attended to the scene and cleared debris.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal multi-vehicle accidents can leave surviving families facing emotional distress, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and questions about the circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ deaths. Understanding the available legal options may help families determine whether they have grounds to pursue compensation.
Reviewing the car accident laws in California can help families learn about the requirements that may apply following a fatal collision. California allows certain surviving relatives and other eligible individuals to pursue wrongful death claims when another party’s wrongful conduct causes a person’s death.
Investigating a multi-vehicle accident may involve reviewing vehicle damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, electronic data, and official findings. When a collision involves a rollover and debris striking other vehicles, investigators may also examine the sequence of impacts to determine how each vehicle became involved.
Families searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Los Altos may benefit from obtaining a car accident report and preserving documents related to the incident.
An attorney can review available evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain whether compensation may be available for qualifying losses.
Seeking legal guidance early may also help families understand filing deadlines and preserve evidence while the investigation continues.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information released by authorities. Additional findings may become available as officials continue investigating the collision.
- The deceased drivers were identified as Brenno Henrique De Sousa Bittancourt, 19, of Belmont, and Benjamin Alexander Hernandez, 33, of San Jose. Readers seeking information about obtaining a car accident report can review the frequently asked questions in California.
- Five vehicles were involved in the collision, including a Lexus, Kia SUV, Toyota sedan, Tesla SUV, and Toyota SUV.
- Southbound Interstate 280 was closed for more than four hours, with traffic diverted onto Magdalena Avenue. The available report did not provide additional information about injuries to other motorists.
- Individuals searching for a car accident near Los Altos or a car accident near me can review the accident resources in California for additional guidance.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information is based on publicly available reports and may change as additional findings become available. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this content. Please review our disclaimer for further information.
If you lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle collision, contact a California personal injury lawyer to discuss your family’s legal rights and potential compensation options.