Two dead from Santa Maria crash Monday

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A 2nd person has died from yesterday's crash near Santa Maria.

CHP let us know today that two Santa Maria men are now dead from yesterday’s crash. Officers say drugs & alcohol were not a factor.

3 cars crashed on clark avenue east of Orcutt on Monday.

a passenger was pronounced dead at the scene after getting hit into oncoming traffic. 

“Our resources responded to a three car vehicle collision where one of the cars had three patients in it, one who, unfortunately was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the other two were transported to Marion E.R., where one of those patients also died at the hospital,” says Scott Safechuck with Santa Barbara County Fire.

The drivers of the other two vehicles were uninjured. 

“After the officers on scene conducted their investigation, both drivers, after giving their statements, were released from the scene,” says Maria Barriga with Santa Maria CHP. 

The identities of the deceased will not be released until all relatives have been informed. 

“Our commander was very sincere when he said that this was very tragic. And with heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of the two people that lost their lives. We do need to remember that life is precious and driving is a huge responsibility,” says Barriga. 

A separate head-on crash happened near Santa Maria less than 24 hours later.

3 people injured along highway 166 - one person airlifted on Tuesday morning. 

Santa Maria CHP and Santa Barbara County Fire recommend practicing extra patience with other drivers, especially out here on our long stretches of two lane roads. 

“People need to remember that when they go out, leave a little earlier if there's inclement weather and avoid being distracted when you're driving. Distracted driving is similar to impaired driving,” says Safechuck.

First responders say the responsibility of driving safely belongs to the entire community.