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1 dead, 2 people in hospital after accident under the influence of alcohol on Highway 1

Three people were hospitalized and Highway 1 in Monterey County was closed after a series of crashes early Friday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, Jimmy Cruz, 24, of Salinas, was driving southbound on the highway north of Moss Landing when he crossed into oncoming traffic. Cruz collided head-on with a black Honda driven by Janeth Balianmachain, 44, of Marina. The first crash was reported around 4:20 a.m. After the crash, Cruz started his vehicle and began running in the northbound lane when he was struck by a white Acura. Cruz suffered serious injuries. Both Cruz, Balianmachain and the driver of the Acura were taken to nearby hospitals. The CHP initially arrested Cruz for drunk driving but then released him to the hospital for treatment. Investigators said Cruz later died. The highway was closed for nearly four hours while the CHP investigated.

MOSS LANDING, California —

A series of accidents left three people hospitalized and Highway 1 in Monterey County closed early Friday morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Jimmy Cruz of Salinas was traveling south on the highway north of Moss Landing when he crossed into oncoming traffic. Cruz collided head-on with a black Honda driven by 44-year-old Janeth Balianmachain of Marina.

The first accident was reported at around 4:20 a.m.

After the accident, Cruz turned off his vehicle and began walking in the northbound lane when he was struck by a white Acura. Cruz sustained serious injuries.

Both Cruz, Balianmachain and the driver of the Acura were taken to nearby hospitals.

Police initially arrested Cruz for drunken driving but then released him to the hospital for treatment. Investigators said Cruz later died.

The highway was closed for nearly four hours while the CHP investigated.

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