Castroville, CA – A tragic two-vehicle crash on Highway 1 near State Route 183 claimed the life of a female driver and left another driver hospitalized with serious injuries early Monday morning, January 12, 2026.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. when a red Volkswagen Beetle and a dark-colored Honda sedan collided head-on in the northbound lanes. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), both drivers sustained severe injuries and were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Authorities later confirmed that the female driver of the Volkswagen succumbed to her injuries, while the male driver of the Honda remains in critical condition.

Preliminary reports from witnesses indicated that the Honda may have swerved before the collision. Firefighters and CHP officers had to extricate both drivers from their heavily damaged vehicles, highlighting the severity of the crash. Debris and shattered glass were scattered across the roadway, and one vehicle ended up off the road with major damage.

The California Highway Patrol is actively investigating the cause of the crash. Early indications suggest that loss of control or possible impairment could have contributed, but authorities emphasize that all factors are still under review.

Emergency responders from CHP, Monterey County Fire, and rescue personnel quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area, extricate the injured, and clear the wreckage. Northbound lanes of Highway 1 were blocked for several hours, significantly impacting the morning commute.