A family in San Jose is grieving an unimaginable loss after a tragic multi-vehicle accident on Highway 87 claimed the lives of a young mother and her infant daughter. The devastating crash, which involved four vehicles, occurred late Tuesday morning and resulted in a fire that engulfed several of the cars involved.
According to information provided by the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened shortly before 11 a.m. Two of the vehicles were electric cars that caught fire during the sequence of events. A third vehicle, a Lexus carrying 29-year-old Ivana Balistreri and her one-year-old daughter, Lilliana, also became involved in the flames. Both mother and child were passengers in the Lexus at the time of the crash. First responders arrived quickly, but the injuries sustained by Ivana and her baby were too severe, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Other individuals involved in the collision survived but were taken to local hospitals for medical care. Authorities reported that the driver of the Lexus and one of the drivers of the other vehicles were transported for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but officials indicated that no other fatalities were reported.
As the community learns more about this heartbreaking incident, family members have spoken out about their loss. Loved ones describe Ivana as a kind-hearted and gentle person whose presence brightened every space she entered. They remember her as someone who treated others with compassion, avoided negativity, and embraced her role as a devoted mother. Baby Lilliana, affectionately known as “Lilly Bean,” is remembered as a joyful child whose bright smile and sweet nature created cherished memories for everyone who met her.
In an effort to support the grieving family, relatives created an online fundraiser to help with funeral arrangements and related expenses. The message shared on the fundraising page expresses the depth of the family’s sorrow and honors the bond between Ivana and her daughter. Those close to the family say the pair were inseparable and that losing them has left an irreplaceable void.
Alongside fundraising efforts, the family is also asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with any details that could help investigators better understand how the accident unfolded. Authorities are reviewing available information to determine the cause of the chain-reaction collision. At this stage in the investigation, the California Highway Patrol has stated that there is no indication that alcohol or drug use contributed to the crash. Weather, visibility, and roadway conditions at the time are also being taken into consideration.
Incidents involving multiple vehicles can be complex to investigate, particularly when fires occur at the scene. CHP officials continue to gather statements, study roadway evidence, and review any available video recordings that might offer additional clarity. A full analysis is expected to take time as the agency works methodically to determine the order of events and identify all contributing factors.
The tragic loss of Ivana and Lilliana has touched many in the San Jose area and beyond. Their loved ones are encouraging people to hold the family in their thoughts as they process this profound grief. Community members have begun sharing condolences, offering support, and honoring the lives of the mother and daughter whose time together ended far too soon.
While the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who witnessed the collision or captured footage to contact local officials. Information from the public can play an important role in helping investigators piece together what happened. For now, the focus remains on supporting the family and ensuring they receive the comfort and resources they need during this difficult time.
