[01-10-2026] Monterey County, CA – One Killed in Three-Vehicle Wrong-Way Crash on Hwy. 101 South of Jolon Rd.

One person was killed, and multiple others were injured following a three-vehicle wrong-way crash on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in Monterey County on Saturday night, January 10, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 9:51 p.m. when a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 65-year-old man from Oregon was traveling southbound in the No. 1 lane of northbound Highway 101. 

At the same time, a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by a 33-year-old woman from Salinas was traveling northbound in the same lane with an 11-year-old male passenger, while a 2014 Honda Accord driven by a 36-year-old man from King City was traveling northbound in the No. 2 lane at approximately 60 miles per hour with a 27-year-old female passenger.

Investigators said the Tacoma driver’s level of impairment caused him to drive the wrong way and collide head-on with the Corolla. CHP stated that the impact pushed the Corolla southbound, where its rear then struck the front of the Honda Accord. 

The Tacoma driver, identified as Paul C., sustained major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center, where he was arrested and remains hospitalized. The Corolla driver, identified as Dinora G., sustained blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead by AMR paramedics. 

The 11-year-old passenger in the Corolla suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The occupants of the Honda Accord sustained moderate to minor injuries and transported themselves to Mee Memorial Hospital.

Authorities stated that all occupants were wearing seatbelts, and all three vehicles were taken by the CHP and are being held as evidence.

The investigation is ongoing.

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.