One critically injured in two-vehicle crash west of Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Barbara County firefighters and California Highway Patrol responded to a serious two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon.

The crash happened around 2:38 p.m. at Brown Road and W. Betteravia Road west of Santa Maria.

Two passengers were reportedly trapped inside the wreckage. Both were extricated by fire crew.

One person sustained critical injuries and was transported by CalStar helicopter to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The second person had moderate injuries and was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center by AMR ground ambulance.

Roads were closed in the immediate area while emergency personnel responded.

CHP is investigating the cause of the crash.

At this time, officers determined one vehicle was traveling south on Betteravia Road while a Dodge Durango traveled on Brown toward Betteravia.

CHP said for reasons still under investigation, the Durango failed to stop at the intersection of Brown and Betteravia. The two vehicles subsequently collided in the intersection.

Officers said the driver of the Durango tried to flee the scene of the crash.

Investigators suspect the driver of the Durango may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.