Hawaii man killed in two-vehicle collision near Piedras Blancas

A Hawaii man was killed and a man from El Salvador arrested in the two-car crash Wednesday on Highway 1 near Piedras Blancas.

Charles Wegener, 71, of Kailua, Hawaii, was killed at around 2:20 p.m. while driving a 2016 Ford Focus northbound on Highway 1 north of Arroyo De La Cruz, according to a Templeton CHP news release.

German Castro, 57, of San Salvador, El Salvador, was headed southbound on the same road in a 2015 Mazda 3 when he drifted directly in front of Wegener’s vehicle in the northbound lane.

The vehicles, both traveling at around 60 mph, collided near their left front sides. Wegener was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Stella Carter, 77, also of Kailua was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center to be treated for moderate injuries.

Castro and his two passengers, Debora Castro, 21, and Diana Rodriguez, 57, both of San Salvador, were also taken to Sierra Vista for treatment. Rodriguez’s injuries were listed as major.

German Castro was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, but was released to the hospital due to his injuries. Castro will be taken to San Luis Obispo County Jail after his recovery.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Hawaii man killed in two-vehicle collision near Piedras Blancas."