One killed, another injured in Highway 166 crash on Christmas Day

One person was killed and a second was injured in a head-on collision on Highway 166 west of Santa Maria early Christmas Day.

The crash involving a Toyota Camry and an Infinity I 30, was reported at 1:38 a.m. Monday on Highway 166 and West Main Street, about a mile west of Bonita School Road, Santa Barbara County Fire Department Capt. Scott Safechuck said.

When emergency responders arrived on the scene, they extricated both drivers from their vehicles.

The 65-year-old Guadalupe man who was driving the Infinity was declared dead at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.

His name was withheld pending notification of relatives.

The other driver, Bladimir Chavez, 27, of Santa Maria, had moderate injuries and was transported by AMR ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center, the CHP said.

The collision occurred when, for unknown reasons, Chavez’s eastbound vehicle veered over the double yellow lines and slammed into the Infinity that was heading in the opposite direction.

The CHP said alcohol is suspected in the collision, which remained under investigation.

Emergency personnel from the city of Santa Maria, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol also responded to the incident, Safechuck said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it is asked to contact the CHP at 805-349-8728.

Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.

This story was originally published December 26, 2023 at 9:13 AM with the headline "One killed, another injured in Highway 166 crash on Christmas Day."