5 Killed in Head-On Crash That Leaves Mother, Son Hospitalized

SALINAS, Calif. — Five young people were killed Wednesday when their car drifted into oncoming traffic on a curve of California 68 and collided with an auto carrying six members of a family, authorities said.

The five young people who were killed were traveling west in one car, the CHP said. Their identities were not immediately released, according to the Monterey County coroner’s office.

The victims, three men and two women, were believed to be in their teens or early 20s. The California Highway Patrol was investigating the accident, which occurred about 11:43 a.m. on the highway between Monterey and Salinas.

Gretchen Cardinelli, 40, of Salinas was listed in serious but stable condition with chest injuries, as was her son, Nicholas, 13, said hospital spokeswoman Barbara Reid.

Jessica Cardinelli, 10, and her 7-year-old sister, Vanessa, were treated and released, Reid said. William Osman, 69, was in serious but stable condition with broken legs. Patricia Osman, 66, was in critical condition with abdominal injuries, Reid said.

The Osmans, of Paso Robles, were visiting their daughter and grandchildren, Reid said.