KSBY NBC Channel 6 California Central Coast News reported that a crash west of Santa Maria Monday afternoon led to two injuries and may have been related to driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUI), according to the California Highway Patrol. An investigation is underway.
The incident occurred around 2:38 p.m. on Monday near the intersection of Brown Road and Betteravia Road in Santa Barbara County. Officials from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department noted that they believe significant speeds were involved in the crash, that involved two vehicles, and extrication with power equipment was required to release the occupants of the vehicles.
One victim was transported by medical helicopter to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in critical condition with injuries that were believed to be life-threatening. The second driver was medically transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. After investigating the crash and cleaning up debris. The road was back open around 3:30 p.m.
The investigation is currently ongoing and few details have been released by local law enforcement agencies. The identities of the suspect and the victim, the potential for charges to be filed, and the specifics of the crash have not been released to the public.