Persons reportedly trapped in separate crashes minutes apart in south Santa Barbara Co.

Emergency responders were kept busy Tuesday afternoon with two different car crashes just three minutes apart in south Santa Barbara County in which the drivers were reportedly trapped.

The first wreck was reported at about 4:44 p.m. at 1038 N. San Marcos Road, near Via Parva, in the city of Goleta in which a white utility truck collided with a tree, according to California Highway Patrol.

CHP reported the driver in that crash was trapped inside the vehicle with a laceration to the head after the airbags did not deploy.

According to Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni, the driver, said to be in his mid 20’s, lost control of his tree-trimming work truck and struck a telephone pole before crashing into the tree. The driver required extrication by firefighters and was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and CHP.

The second crash was reported just three minutes later, at 4:47 p.m., on Highway 154 near Painted Cave Road. CHP reported that a tan Jeep Cherokee rolled over trapping the driver inside. That person was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for minor injuries, according to CHP.

Rain was reported in the area. No further details were immediately known.

The cause of this wreck is under investigation. Check back for updates.