Two people were killed in a three-vehicle collision in Monterey County on Sunday night, October 12, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was reported around 6:49 p.m. on southbound Highway 101 just south of the Chualar River Road overcrossing.
A 41-year-old Salinas man was driving a white Kia SUV northbound in the southbound lanes with three passengers when he collided head-on with a black Honda sedan driven by a 46-year-old Arizona resident.
The impact caused a secondary collision with a white Toyota sedan driven by a 29-year-old Salinas resident. Both sedans were traveling in the correct direction.
The drivers of the Kia SUV and the Honda sedan died at the scene. The Kia’s passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to major and were transported to a hospital. It is unknown whether alcohol was a factor.
The identities of the deceased will be released by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office after notification of next of kin.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.