URGENT UPDATE: A devastating accident on Highway 87 in San Jose has tragically claimed the lives of a mother and her infant daughter. The collision, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred around 10:40 AM on October 3, 2023, and has sparked urgent concerns regarding vehicle safety in the area.
Ivana Balistreri, aged 29, and her one-year-old daughter, Lilliana, were killed when their Lexus erupted in flames following a pileup that involved two Teslas and another vehicle that reportedly fled the scene. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), both cars ignited upon impact, underscoring the severity of the crash.
The other drivers involved included a Toyota Sienna driver who was unharmed and remained at the scene to assist authorities. Meanwhile, the drivers of the Lexus and one of the Teslas sustained undisclosed injuries and were hospitalized. Remarkably, preliminary investigations indicate that neither alcohol nor drug impairment contributed to this tragic incident.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the family of Balistreri has launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek community support for funeral expenses and legal assistance. The page poignantly states, “Our hearts were shattered when Ivana Balistreri and her beautiful baby girl, Lilliana, were tragically killed in the Highway 87 accident involving a Tesla.” The emotional plea highlights the profound impact of their loss on family and friends, resonating with a community in mourning.
The San Jose Fire Department acted swiftly to extinguish the vehicle fires, reporting that the presence of lithium batteries in the electric vehicles did not significantly hinder their firefighting efforts. Battalion Chief Bennett Yendery confirmed to CBS News San Francisco that “despite the involvement of electric vehicles with lithium batteries, the fire was extinguished within an expected time frame, without additional complications.”
As the CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, they are urging witnesses, especially those with video evidence of the incident, to come forward. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the San Jose office at 408-961-0900.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety. As the community rallies to support the grieving family, the call for accountability and awareness regarding vehicle safety grows louder.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
