Updated: A head-on fatality collision at Laurel Road closed Highway 17 northbound and southbound for several hours Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
As of 2:20 p.m. the highway was reopened in both directions.
The accident, involving a Toyota 4Runner SUV and a compact sedan, happened at around 10:43 a.m. leaving the driver of the sedan dead and others with serious injuries, according to CHP Officer Sarah Jackson.
The sedan was heading southound at the time of the accident when it crossed through a gap in the center divide at Laurel and hit the northbound SUV head-on. Two other vehicles received minor damage attempting to avoid the collision.
"Please urge everyone to slow down on wet roadways. Your life depends on it," Jackson said.
Scotts Valley Police and Caltrans diverted northbound and southbound traffic . CHP is advising motorists to avoid the highway or take alternate routes, such as Highway 152, Highway 1 or Soquel San Jose Road to Summit Road.
