DUI Collision Closes the Lighthouse Curve In Monterey

On December 7, 2007 at 1:04 A.M., Monterey Police officers responded to a single vehicle collision on the northbound Lighthouse curve in Monterey.  A Mercedes sedan had exited the Lighthouse Tunnel and collided with two large light poles located on the center median of the Lighthouse curve.

The vehicle received major damage and one of the light poles collapsed upon impact.  The driver and passenger had to be extracted from the vehicle by Monterey Fire units using the “Jaws of Life.”  Both the driver and passenger were transported to Community Hospital.

Due to the severity of the collision, both directions of Lighthouse between Private Bolio and Pacific/Artillery were closed until approximately 6:00 A.M. while traffic investigators examined the scene.  The Monterey Police Department implemented the Lower Presidio Alternate Traffic Route Plan that allowed southbound traffic to bypass the closed roadway while northbound traffic headed toward New Monterey and Pacific Grove was rerouted over Holman Highway.

Once released from the hospital, the 19-year-old driver, Rajiv Pahalad of Seaside, was arrested for felony driving under the influence.  Pahalad was booked at the Monterey City Jail then transported to the Monterey County Jail.  His bail was set at $30,000.00.  The passenger, an 18-year-old resident of Carmel, is still at Community Hospital being treated for his injuries. 

For further information, please contact Acting Deputy Chief Phil Penko 831.646.3849 penko@ci.monterey.ca.us