Victim in deadly multi-vehicle crash near Gonzales identified
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The CHP said a five-vehicle crash near Gonzales left one person dead Saturday morning. The agency said it happened on Highway 101 south of Gloria Road at 11:45 a.m.
A 16-year old from Salinas was driving a 2021 Chevrolet 2500 and hauling a trailer, southbound on the 101 when he hit the Chevrolet Colorado in front of him, according to the CHP. That crash caused the Chevrolet Colorado to lose control and rollover. The CHP said the Colorado's driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the male passenger was taken to Natividad Medical Center for his injuries.
The person killed in the crash was identified as 49-year-old Omar Arriaga of Salinas, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
The CHP added the initial crash also caused a chain reaction involving three additional vehicles, however, no one else involved was hurt.
Both southbound lanes of Highway 101 were shut down while the CHP investigated; one lane reopened at 1:38 p.m. while the second was reopened at 3:13 p.m.
The CHP said alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this crash. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the CHP Monterey Area office at (831) 770-8000, or email MontereyCHPTips@chp.ca.gov