Monterey County, CA – On the evening of Sunday, October 12, 2025, a wrong-way collision on Highway 101 claimed the lives of Efrain Plascencia, 41, of Salinas, and Joel Nunez-Vargas, 46, of Yuma, Arizona, according to KSBW, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal. 

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 6:49 PM on southbound Highway 101, just south of the Chualar River Road overcrossing. 

According to investigators, Plascencia appeared to have been driving a white Kia SUV north in the southbound lanes when his vehicle struck a black Honda sedan driven by Nunez-Vargas. Their head-on collision caused a secondary impact with a white Toyota sedan driven by a 29-year-old Salinas resident.

Authorities said the Kia’s three passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor to major and were transported to a local hospital. Both Plasciencia and Nunez-Vargas were pronounced dead at the scene.

CHP has not yet determined whether alcohol played a role, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Ongoing Investigations

Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators. 

Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses. 

Monterey Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Monterey Fatal Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.