Monterey County, California (September 11, 2025) — Two people were killed Thursday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash outside of Salinas, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 4:47 p.m. on Highway 183 south of Cooper Road. Investigators said a red sedan was stopped to make a left turn when it was rear-ended by a gray GMC SUV. The impact pushed the sedan into the path of an oncoming semi-truck traveling northbound. The semi struck the sedan, causing fatal injuries to two passengers, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The 20-year-old driver of the sedan was taken to a hospital with major injuries.
CHP reported that the GMC driver fled the scene but was later located and identified as a 19-year-old woman from Salinas. Authorities said drugs or alcohol are not suspected as factors.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: CHP is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The 19-year-old driver may face charges for felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter, depending on the findings. Families of the deceased victims may also pursue wrongful death claims, while the injured sedan driver may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the driver of the GMC.
Collisions involving passenger vehicles are among the leading causes of injury in communities across the country. While some crashes result in little more than property damage, many leave behind serious medical challenges for those involved. Victims may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, or extended time away from work, all of which create financial and emotional strain for families. Emergency responders face the difficult task of balancing medical treatment with roadway safety, often closing lanes to allow for proper care and investigation. Police officers and accident reconstruction teams devote significant effort to identifying the causes, which may include speeding, distraction, road hazards, or mechanical failure. These findings often play a key role in shaping traffic enforcement and safety campaigns within the community. The impact of a car accident goes far beyond the immediate moment of collision—it disrupts daily life, highlights vulnerabilities in roadway safety, and reinforces the importance of vigilance for everyone behind the wheel.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims killed in this tragic Salinas crash, and I wish recovery to the injured driver.
Source: KSBW