Five people died and a sixth remained in critical condition after a vehicle crashed into a traffic signal pole at the intersection of South Broadway and Miller Street early Sunday morning in Santa Maria, authorities said.
“Four occupants of the vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene,” according to the Santa Maria Police Department. “Two additional occupants were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment. One of those occupants later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The remaining occupant remains hospitalized in critical condition.”
Evidence suggested driving under the influence of alcohol might have contributed to the 1:40 a.m. single-vehicle collision, officials said, adding officers were told the vehicle might have been traveling at a high rate of speed leading up to the crash.
Both directions of Broadway were closed for several hours following the collision. The occupants’ identities had not yet been released as officials worked to notify family members.
In addition to Santa Maria police, the Santa Maria Fire Department and American Medical Response reportedly responded to the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information was encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781.
