Palo Alto, California – In a tragic accident on Highway 101 in Palo Alto, a motorist lost their life after their vehicle broke down and was struck by two other vehicles. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) provided details about the incident, which took place in the early hours of Friday, May 31.
Officer Sophie Lu, from the CHP office in Redwood City, reported that the accident occurred at 2:52 a.m. A driver of a red Hyundai SUV contacted authorities after colliding with an object on northbound Highway 101, just north of the San Antonio Road on-ramp. This initial collision damaged the vehicle and left it stranded in the middle of the highway.
Minutes after the motorist called for help, two additional vehicles struck the SUV. The sequence of collisions proved fatal for the Hyundai driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Officer Lu. The drivers of the other two vehicles involved were uninjured.
Due to the accident, the CHP closed the northbound lanes of the highway near the San Antonio Road on-ramp. This measure was necessary to allow for the investigation of the accident and the cleanup of debris, causing significant disruptions to morning traffic.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of taking precautions when driving on highways. Drivers should remain alert and slow down when approaching disabled vehicles on the road.
To minimize risks in similar situations, motorists are advised to:
- Stop in a Safe Location: If possible, move the disabled vehicle out of traffic lanes.
- Use Emergency Signals: Activate hazard lights and place reflective triangles to warn other drivers.
- Seek Immediate Assistance: Contact authorities as soon as possible for help.
Stay Inside the Vehicle: In case of a breakdown in the middle of the highway, it is safer to stay inside the vehicle until emergency services arrive.
