Accident in Salinas
The accident occurred on Alisal Road, north of Hartnell Road, Wednesday morning around 6:17 a.m., when two vehicles collided violently. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident involved a Nissan Altima and a white 2001 GMC Yukon.
At the time of the accident, the Nissan Altima, driven by a 68-year-old man from Salinas, was in the process of slowing down to make a left turn into an agricultural field. Riding in the passenger seat was a 67-year-old woman, also a resident of Salinas.
Meanwhile, the GMC Yukon, operated by Adolfo Rosales Díaz, a 64-year-old man from Salinas, was approaching the Nissan from behind. In an attempt to overtake the Nissan, the GMC moved into the opposing lane. However, at that precise moment, the Nissan began to turn left, resulting in a collision.
Despite the efforts of the GMC driver to stop, his vehicle ended up impacting the left rear of the Nissan. As a result of the crash, the Nissan Altima ended up off the road, in a ditch to the east, while the GMC Yukon came to a stop in the opposite lane, facing north.
Tragically, the woman traveling as a passenger in the Nissan lost her life at the scene of the accident. The Nissan driver was transported to Natividad Medical Center with serious head injuries.
Subsequently, the deceased woman was identified as María Elena Chávez de Chávez, thanks to the intervention of the Monterey County Sheriff.
The driver of the GMC, Adolfo Rosales Díaz, fled the scene before the authorities arrived. However, he was arrested six hours later, a few miles from the accident site. He faces serious charges, including hit-and-run causing injury and death, as well as vehicular manslaughter. Bail for his release was set at $10,000.
At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs influenced the accident, although authorities continue to investigate this possibility.
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