All Lanes Of Highway 101 In South San Jose Open After Fiery 4-Car Fatal Crash

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) — One person was dead, two others hospitalized after a horrific 4-car crash exploded into flames early Thursday in the northbound lanes of Highway 101 in south San Jose, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash took place at 3:29 a.m. just north of Bailey Avenue and south of state Highway 85.

All four vehicles involved in the collision caught fire and were destroyed, Fire Captain Brad Cloutier said.

“Vehicles don’t usually catch on fire when they’re in a collision. To have that happen to one of them is pretty rare – to have that happen to four of them is pretty unique,” Cloutier said.

san jose crash sjfd photo

The crash closed all but one lane in the northbound commute direction on 101 for several hours, causing a major backup that stretched into Morgan Hill. Other alternate routes, including Monterey Road and Santa Teresa Boulevard were also backed up.

All lanes of northbound 101 were reopened as of 8:15 a.m.

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