CHP identifies 3 people killed in head-on collision 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 at about 4:15 p.m. east of Bell Drive, a mile west of New Cuyama, said fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni.

Denise L. Courtis, 54, of Bakersfield was driving the Explorer; her passenger was Robert L. Swarens, 61, of Citrus Heights, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Escape was driven by Alejandro M. Santiago, 19, of Santa Maria, who was alone in the vehicle, the CHP said.

All three suffered major blunt-force trauma and were declared dead at the scene.

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

All three victim were wearing their seat belts, according to the CHP.

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.

Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

This story was originally published December 4, 2017 at 5:27 PM with the headline "CHP identifies 3 people killed in head-on collision on Hwy. 166."