The fatal collision occurred at Santa Teresa Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road just before 4:00 p.m. on May 3, 2026, according to San Jose police.
San Jose, CA – The woman who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash at an intersection in San Jose on Sunday afternoon has been identified, according to authorities.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner identified the deceased woman as 33-year-old Kimberly Karnes.
The fatal collision occurred at Santa Teresa Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road just before 4:00 p.m. on May 3, 2026, according to San Jose police.
According to investigators, multiple vehicles, including a silver 2020 Mercedes sedan, a green 2016 Kia sedan, a white 2024 Tesla sedan, a green 2004 BMW sedan, and a white 2014 Toyota sedan, were involved in the collision. Investigators said the Mercedes initially struck the Kia as it was changing lanes to enter a left-turn lane, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving the other vehicles.
Karnes, who was driving the Kia, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Several other occupants from the involved vehicles were also taken to local hospitals with varying injuries. The driver of the Mercedes remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No arrests were reported.
Authorities said alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, though investigators are looking into whether the driver of the Mercedes may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the collision.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and extricated occupants from the Mercedes after it caught fire following the crash.
The collision caused significant disruptions at the intersection as crews responded and investigated the incident.
The San Jose Police Department continues to investigate the crash