Melanie Manalac, Espinosa Road, Collision on Espinosa Road,

Melanie Manalac Killed in Head-On Crash on Espinosa Road [Salinas, CA]

Passenger Killed, Two Drivers Injured in Head-On Collision on Espinosa Road

Salinas, CA (December 10, 2025) — A head-on crash on Espinosa Road between Salinas and Castroville left 45-year-old Melanie Manalac of Salinas dead and sent both drivers to the hospital Sunday night.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the two-vehicle collision around 7:34 p.m. just south of Rodgers Road.

Investigators determined that a westbound Nissan sedan, driven by a 33-year-old Oklahoma man, veered into the opposite lane for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Ford SUV driven by a 45-year-old Salinas man.

The impact killed a passenger in the Ford at the scene. She has been identified as Manalac of Salinas.

Both drivers suffered major injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. CHP noted that alcohol may have contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation.

Sweet Lawyers offers sincere condolences to the family and friends of Melanie Manalac. We also wish strength and healing to those injured as they recover.

File a Legal Claim Following a Deadly Crash

Each year, around 20-50 million people get involved in road accidents. However, not everyone properly knows about the things you should do next after a deadly traffic accident.

In fact, the most valuable step you can take in response to a fatal traffic crash is hiring an expert attorney.

Moreover, the legal and financial damage that comes from unforeseen loss is tough to juggle in the midst of mourning. Yet, the days and months following a tragedy are the most precarious.

Nobody wants to be in a fatal accident. To those who lost a loved one in a traffic accident, reach out to Sweet Lawyers‘ team of legal experts.

With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to win an auto-pedestrian accident case.

Additionally, Sweet Lawyers promise that our attorneys will fight, day and night, to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve.

Call our offices at (800) 674-7852 for a free consultation with a professional in your area. Speak with our legal team to know how a legal claim can help you cope.