Santa Maria man among 3 killed in head-on crash on Hwy. 166

Three people, including a Santa Maria man, were killed Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision on Highway 166 near New Cuyama, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The crash involving a Ford Escape and a Ford Explorer occurred about 4:15 p.m. east of Bell Drive, a mile west of New Cuyama, said fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni.

A 54-year-old Bakersfield woman was driving the Explorer; her passenger was a 61-year-old Citrus Heights man, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Escape was driven by a 19-year-old Santa Maria man who was alone in the vehicle, the CHP said.

All three suffered major blunt-force trauma and were declared dead at the scene. Their names were withheld pending notification of relatives.

The CHP said the Escape was westbound when it veered across the double-yellow lines and directly into the Explorer’s path.

Highway 166 was blocked in both directions for a time after the crash.

Coroner’s personnel were dispatched to the scene pick up the remains.

The crash was under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, which said it was unknown whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision.

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This story was originally published December 4, 2017 at 9:07 AM with the headline "Santa Maria man among 3 killed in head-on crash on Hwy. 166."