Monterey county: 2 deadly accidents involving dui suspects over easter weekend

Monterey County was rocked by two fatal crashes over Easter weekend, both suspected to involve drivers under the influence.

First incident: teenager killed in prunedale crash

A 16-year-old boy lost his life after a Volkswagen sedan veered off the road and crashed into a tree around 8 p.m. on Friday on Meridian Road in Prunedale.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a 37-year-old Castroville man was behind the wheel, with three young passengers - a 14-year-old boy, a 7-year-old boy, and another 16-year-old - in the vehicle.

The driver, who sustained major injuries, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, manslaughter, and child endangerment. The other passengers were taken to local hospitals with moderate injuries.

Second incident: driver arrested after head-on collision in moss landing

Just hours later, around 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, a suspected DUI crash on Highway 1 near Moss Landing claimed the life of a 32-year-old Castroville man.

A 25-year-old San Jose resident was driving a BMW sedan northbound on the highway when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Ford SUV.

The driver of the BMW, along with two male passengers, fled the scene on foot. Deputies later located them hiding near a pond and took them into custody.

All three occupants of the BMW sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The driver faces DUI, manslaughter, and hit-and-run charges.

The identities of the deceased and arrested individuals are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.