SALINAS, Monterey County, Calif., Nov. 11, 2026 — Two people were hurt on Monday morning, November 9, in a three-vehicle crash near Old Stage Road and Spence Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly after 7:28 a.m. and involved a pickup truck, an SUV and a third vehicle. One vehicle reportedly left the roadway, and a traffic hazard was called in at the scene. A person riding in one vehicle was taken to Natividad Medical Center with cuts to a hand and arm, while another patient was transported to the same hospital for an injury to the back. Early radio traffic had described only minor injuries among those involved.
A tow truck was requested to clear the vehicles, including one left in a ditch, and the roadway was reported reopened by around 8:19 a.m.
The cause remains under review. We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Salinas, CA
The multi-vehicle crash was reported at Old Stage Road and Spence Road in Salinas. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our Salinas accident resource page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crashes involving more than one additional vehicle common after an initial collision?
Yes. Once one vehicle is disabled or blocking a lane, trailing drivers usually have little time to react, which can draw other vehicles into the same crash.
Why are multi-vehicle collisions harder to investigate?
Investigators have to determine the sequence of impacts and how each vehicle was involved, which usually takes longer than sorting out a two-car crash.
What typically causes a chain-reaction crash like this one?
These crashes commonly start with one vehicle losing control, stopping suddenly or leaving the road, with following vehicles then unable to avoid the obstruction.
