A major traffic disruption unfolded on southbound U.S. Highway 101 near Millbrae and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) after a serious multi-vehicle crash prompted a large emergency response and caused significant congestion along one of the Bay Area’s busiest commuter corridors.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), emergency crews were dispatched to southbound Highway 101 near the Millbrae Avenue exit following reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles. Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responded quickly to secure the scene, assist those involved, and manage the heavy flow of traffic that quickly backed up for several miles.
The crash severely impacted motorists traveling toward San Francisco International Airport and neighboring Peninsula communities, with lengthy delays reported throughout the evening. Several southbound lanes were temporarily closed while first responders treated victims, removed damaged vehicles, and conducted an initial investigation. Drivers were urged to reduce speed, exercise caution near the emergency scene, and consider alternate routes until normal traffic conditions could be restored.
Authorities confirmed that the collision occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. Preliminary information indicates that one vehicle overturned multiple times before coming to rest on the roadway. Emergency responders located the driver with critical injuries and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died. A second vehicle was also involved in the collision, though officials reported no injuries to its occupants. Investigators stated that the deceased driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Detectives are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, examine any available traffic camera footage, and interview witnesses to determine the events leading up to the crash. Officials have not indicated whether impairment, speed, or any other contributing factors played a role, and no additional details have been released at this stage.
Traffic remained heavily congested as crews worked to reopen affected lanes and clear the scene. Because Highway 101 serves as one of the primary transportation routes connecting San Francisco, the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, and SFO, even a single major collision can create widespread delays across the region.
This remains an active investigation. Additional information regarding the identity of the deceased driver, the cause of the crash, and the timeline for the full reopening of Highway 101 is expected to be released by the California Highway Patrol as the investigation continues.