Major Crash in Castroville Highway 1, State Route 183 (Merritt Street)
Head-on Crash Involving Major Injuries in Castroville
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2026) — A major injury collision involving two vehicles shut down northbound Highway 1 at State Route 183 (Merritt Street) during the early morning commute in Castroville, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported on Jan. 12th shortly after 6:15 a.m. at the SR-1/SR-183 interchange in Monterey County. CHP logs indicate the collision was head-on and involved a red Volkswagen Beetle and a dark-colored Honda sedan. Both vehicles sustained major front-end damage, with one vehicle coming to rest off the roadway and the other blocking lanes.
A witness told CHP dispatchers the driver in the “Honda was swerving, possibly impaired or something was going on prior to the traffic collision.”
Two Seriously Injured Taken to Hospital
Fire crews responded to the scene and worked for more than an hour to extricate occupants trapped inside the vehicles. Authorities confirmed at least two patients suffered major injuries and were transported for medical treatment. Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and advanced tow services were requested due to the severity of the crash.
Northbound lanes of SR-1 were temporarily shut down to allow for emergency response, vehicle extraction, and cleanup. The roadway reopened to traffic at approximately 8:17 a.m.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. No additional details about the victims’ conditions were immediately available.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
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).
