Deadly I-280 Crash Near Los Altos Hills Kills Unbelted Passenger

CHP says Honda Accord crossed median and struck tree, leaving one dead and two injured.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting the faint glow of emergency lights, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed collision.The aftermath of a fatal crash on I-280 near Los Altos Hills exposes the devastating consequences of not wearing a seatbelt.Los Altos Hills Today

A single-car crash on Interstate 280 in Los Altos Hills left one person dead and two others seriously injured after a Honda Accord crossed the center median and slammed into a tree. The rear-seat passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt was killed, while the driver and front-seat passenger were rushed to the hospital with major injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of seatbelt use and the dangers of losing control on this stretch of I-280, which has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years due to the freeway's challenging terrain and barrier layout.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 7:50 AM on April 6 when the Honda Accord veered through the center median between a metal guardrail and concrete barrier before crashing into a tree. Investigators remained on the scene collecting evidence, but have not yet released the identities of the victims.

  • The crash was reported around 7:50 AM on April 6, 2026.
  • The CHP is still investigating the incident and has not released additional details.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and is investigating the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The death of the unrestrained back-seat passenger is a stark reminder of how much difference a seat belt can make.”

— National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What’s next

The CHP is still investigating the cause of the crash and has not released any additional information about possible impairment or other contributing factors.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of seatbelt use and the need for continued safety improvements on this stretch of I-280, which has been the site of multiple serious crashes in recent years.