Major Accident Closed Down North Main in Salinas - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SALINAS, Calif- Police had part of N. Main closed in both directions near the Olive Garden after a major injury accident Thursday afternoon.

News Release From Salinas Police

Rudy Orozco, 18, was traveling northbound on N. Main St in his 2003 Chevy Tahoe. Juanita Ibanez, 59, was exiting the Safeway parking lot westbound in her 2003 Chevy Suburban to proceed south on N. Main St. In her vehicle were five passengers, four of which were children ages 8, 7, 4 and 3-weeks. The vehicles collided in the #1 northbound lane with Orozco impacting broadside with Ibanez. Due to impact Ibanez's vehicle was spun around causing the 7-year-old female passenger to be ejected from the rear window. She was thrown to the pavement and ran to the sidewalk near the Olive Garden where witnesses provided her aid.

The infant, in the second row of seats, riding in a car seat that was not belted properly into the vehicle's seat, was thrown to the floorboard in the vehicle. The remaining passengers in Ibanez's vehicle were properly restrained although they suffered injuries. All the adults in their respective vehicles were properly belted.

Injured were:

1. Juanita Ibanez – Suffered complaints of pain (unspecified area), transported to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
2. 8-year-old male – Suffered a complaint of low back pain, transported to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
3. 7-year-old female – Suffered a head contusion and a possible broken right arm, transported by air ambulance to San Jose Regional.
4. 4-year-old female – Suffered complaints of pain (unspecified area), transported to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital

The cause of the collision is still under investigation but appears to be speed related based on witness descriptions of Orozco's driving. This case will be submitted to DA for review and possible charging of several traffic infractions and child endangerment.