2 children dead after suspected DUI crash in Santa Maria

Two children died Sunday night after a suspected DUI crash in northwest Santa Maria, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.

Another child and their parents suffered major injuries in the two-vehicle crash, which occurred at approximately 8 p.m. at North Blosser Road and West Alvin Avenue.

The man and woman were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, Sgt. Mike McGehee said.

He said their three children — all under the age of 10 — were ejected from the vehicle in the collision.

Two of the children — ages 10 and 2 — were taken to Marian, where they succumbed to their injuries, according to Lt. Paul Van Meel.

The third child was airlifted to a hospital outside of the area.

The identities of the injured and details on their conditions were not available.

The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle — Hector Romero Escobar, 30, of Santa Maria — was arrested and booked into the Northern Branch Jail on suspicion of non-negligent manslaughter, and driving under the influence, both felonies, Van Meel said.

He remained in custody Tuesday, with bail set at $2 million.

Police asked that anyone with information about the collision call the department at 805-928-3781, and ask to speak to an officer in the Traffic Unit.

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

This story was originally published November 7, 2022 at 12:27 PM.