A hit-and-run incident occurred early today on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 near the Kern Street on-ramp in Salinas, California. The collision took place around 2:20 AM when a vehicle struck a wooden pole and a merging sign before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Witnesses reported hearing loud screeching sounds just before the collision, prompting them to alert authorities. Passersby indicated that the vehicle involved had hit a wooden structure in the roadway and continued driving without stopping. Emergency services, including the California Highway Patrol, quickly responded to the scene to manage traffic and assess the damage.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the wooden pole and the merging sign had been knocked down, requiring immediate replacement. The California Highway Patrol initiated a traffic break in the northbound lanes to ensure the safety of motorists while they cleared the area.
Despite thorough searches in the vicinity, the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was not located, and its final disposition remains unknown. The California Highway Patrol classified the incident as a hit-and-run with no injuries, indicating that the driver did not stop to provide information or assist after the collision.
Traffic in the area was temporarily impacted as emergency services worked to clear the scene and replace the damaged infrastructure. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the area as repairs are made.
This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the responsibilities of drivers to remain at the scene of an accident. The California Highway Patrol continues to monitor the situation and encourages anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the hit-and-run and the search for the vehicle involved.