2 killed in wrong-way, head-on crash in SLO County
Two people were killed in an apparent wrong-way, head-on crash involving three cars in Nipomo on Monday, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.
At approximately 6:25 p.m., Fernando Contreras of Santa Maria was driving south on Orchard Road near Cherry Blossom Place. At the same time, Darlene Leticia Scruggs of Nipomo was driving north on Orchard, approaching Contreras, followed by Melchor David Delagarza of Nipomo, the news release said.
For unknown reasons, Contreras, 70, was driving in the northbound lane, directly into the path of the two approaching cars.
Contreras and Scruggs, 49, collided head-on, the impact of which caused Contreras’ car to roll over and crash into the third car driven by Delagarza, 63, the news release said.
Contreras’ car landed on its side on the dirt shoulder on the east side of the road, while Scruggs’ car was was pushed off the roadway on the other side of the road, the release said. Delagarza’s car came to rest in the northbound lane of Orchard Road.
Contreras and Scruggs sustained fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP said in the news release.
Due to the severe damage sustained by the cars involved, officers believe Contreras was traveling at an unknown but high speed before the crash.
“CHP reminds everyone to slow down, don’t drive distracted and always have a high visual horizon for what is happening in front of you,” CHP Officer Mike Brown said in the news release.
The crash is still under investigation. CHP does not yet know if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact CHP Officer R. Chavez at 805-594-8700.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM.
