Updated: 2-Car Accident on Hwy 17 in Los Gatos Paralyzes Traffic

Update: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21: The two-car collision that snarled traffic on northbound Highway 17 at Summit Road this morning is just one of numerous crashes that occur on the busy section of the freeway also known at "valley surprise," according to a CHP spokesman.

"It's the first spot where we were able to see Santa Clara Valley," said CHP spokesman Chris Falkowski. "Accidents happen there a lot, but really everywhere on Highway 17."

"Northbound at the Summit ... it can be a half a mile away from there because there are not a lot of overpasses, or major landmarks," Falkowski said about the accident's location.

A Caltrans sweeping "detail" is also in effect for Highway 17 today Wednesday, Falkowski said, adding that the cleanup involves several sweepers, two CHP units and two or three other Caltrans vehicles removing debris from the highway's shoulder such as bumpers and other large pieces of trash.

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The two northbound lanes of Highway 17 in Los Gatos were blocked before Summit Road this morning due to a traffic accident involving two vehicles.

On the 95033talk@yahoogroups.com email alert list, residents who live nearby were reporting hearing sirens this morning as California Highway Patrol and fire personnel responded to the scene.


As of 8:45 a.m., the roads had been cleared and those on the alert list were advising each other there was no need to "go the back way."
 
The accident caused at least one person mild to moderate injuries, according to a resident who posted on the 95033talk@yahoogroups.com group.

A firefighter at the Cal Fire Burrell Fire Station 47 on Highland Way confirmed the accident and said there were no major injuries.