Crash on Cabrillo Highway 1 Near Monastery Beach in Carmel-By-The-Sea
Head-On Crash on Highway 1 Near Monastery Leaves One Injured
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (June 19, 2026) — A head-on collision involving a Hyundai Sonata and a BMW temporarily blocked both directions of Cabrillo Highway 1 near Monastery Beach on Friday morning, leaving at least one person with minor injuries, according to CHP dispatch reports.
The crash, located in Carmel-By-the-Sea, was reported on June 19th at approximately 9:42 a.m. on southbound State Route 1 near Mile Marker 71.22, near the entrance to the Carmelite Monastery along the Big Sur National Scenic Byway.
Two-Vehicle Collision Blocks Cabrillo Highway
Initial reports indicated a head-on traffic collision with vehicles blocking both northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 1. Witnesses told authorities that one of the vehicles was attempting to pull into a parking area when it was struck by another vehicle traveling northbound.
Emergency responders determined the crash involved a gray Hyundai Sonata carrying three occupants and a gray BMW sedan occupied by a single driver.
According to dispatch logs, one occupant of the Hyundai suffered minor injuries. The BMW driver did not appear to be injured. Authorities reported a total of four people were involved in the collision.
The damaged Hyundai came to rest in the northbound lane, and it was initially unclear whether the vehicle was drivable. Both vehicles were left disabled in the roadway, creating traffic disruptions in both directions along the busy coastal route.
California Highway Patrol officers arrived on scene and worked to clear the roadway. By approximately 9:48 a.m., responders reported they were actively working to reopen the highway and remove the vehicles from the travel lanes.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Motorists traveling through the Big Sur area experienced delays while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow on Highway 1.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
