Seven-vehicle crash at busy East Palo Alto intersection leaves two dead and several others injured
San Mateo County, California – A busy East Palo Alto intersection became the center of a deadly investigation Tuesday morning after a seven-vehicle collision left two people dead and several others injured.
The crash, which unfolded during the morning hours near Bay Road and University Avenue, involved a minivan, six additional vehicles and a SamTrans Ride Plus van. By early afternoon, the roadway had reopened, but investigators were still working to determine what caused the chain of events.
At about 8:20 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2026, officers with the East Palo Alto Police Department were dispatched to reports of a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection.
According to the department’s official release, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies later responded because a SamTrans vehicle was involved. The Sheriff’s Office is contracted to provide policing services across the SamTrans service area, including investigations of traffic collisions involving agency vehicles.
According to witness statements and information collected at the scene, investigators learned that a minivan struck six other vehicles, among them the SamTrans Ride Plus van, before eventually stopping on Bay Road.
The adult male driving the minivan suffered serious injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
An adult female who was also inside the minivan was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel attempted to treat her, but she later died at the hospital.
The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office is responsible for identifying both people and notifying their next of kin.
At least three other people were injured in the collision. The Sheriff’s Office said none of those injuries had been reported as life-threatening.
The Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team, or MAIT, was called to the scene to conduct a detailed examination and determine what led to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Bay Road and University Avenue were closed for several hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. The intersection reopened at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911.
