Northbound Highway 101 Reopens Partially at Olive Mill Following Early Morning Collision

A three-vehicle traffic collision caused a temporary closure of the northbound lanes of Highway 101 at Olive Mill early Thursday morning.

While there were no injuries reported, the incident, which occurred just after 5:30 a.m., prompted swift action by emergency services and led to significant early commuter delays.

The Montecito Fire Department, with assistance from Santa Barbara City Fire, Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, AMR ambulance services, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), were dispatched to the scene to assist with the incident and facilitate the vehicles’ removal from the highway.

Authorities worked diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all involved. Thanks to their coordinated efforts, one lane of the highway was reopened by 7:00 a.m., allowing for the gradual resumption of normal traffic flow. As the peak morning rush approached, the reopening provided much-needed relief for motorists caught up in the delays.

During the closure, traffic was diverted away from the northbound 101 at Olive Mill, and drivers were advised to seek alternative routes or expect longer transit times.

Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the collision, but the CHP is currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the event.

The Montecito Fire Department has issued an appreciation note for the public’s patience during the incident and reminded drivers to remain cautious, particularly when passing through accident sites. The combined efforts of the various emergency services ensured that a potentially disruptive and dangerous situation was resolved quickly and efficiently.