Salinas, CA (September 11, 2025) – Two people died Thursday afternoon in a multi-vehicle collision involving a hit-and-run motorist on Highway 183 south of Cooper Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 4:16 p.m. when a gray GMC SUV, traveling southbound, rear-ended a red sedan that was stopped to make a left turn. The impact pushed the sedan into the northbound lanes, where it collided with an oncoming semi-truck.
The two passengers in the sedan, 31-year-old Aristeo Cruz Jimenez of Port Hueneme and 35-year-old Marcos Cruz Alia of Salinas, were pronounced dead at the scene. The sedan’s 20-year-old driver suffered major injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The 19-year-old woman driving the SUV fled the scene but was later located by authorities. Details regarding potential charges have not been released.
CHP officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
