Edhat Staff
The community of Santa Barbara County was hit by a tragic series of fatal traffic collisions this past weekend, as reported by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
First Incident – Motorcycle Fatality on Jalama Road, Saturday
The first incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 12:19 p.m. A motorcyclist was found over 100 feet off the side of Jalama Road, roughly 2 miles from Highway 1.
Despite the efforts of a bystander performing CPR upon the fire personnel’s arrival, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene.
Specialist units, including Search and Rescue and the Coroner, were dispatched to the location.
California Highway Patrol has released the identity of the motorcyclist as 65-year-old Dalton T. Myers from Winston Salem, North Carolina.
“The motorcyclist was riding his motorcycle on Jalama Road near Jalama Beach. For unknown reasons, the motorcyclist traveled off the road and down an embankment. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on scene at 1255 hours,” CHP states.
Second Incident – Multi-Vehicle Collision and Fatality in Santa Maria, Saturday
Later on Saturday night, at about 11:11 p.m., Santa Barbara County (SBC) Fire Department and Santa Maria Fire Department, alongside the California Highway Patrol (CHP), responded to another fatal incident in Santa Maria.
A three-vehicle crash on West Main Street, west of Hansen Way, claimed the life of a solo adult male driver who was pronounced dead at the scene. Among the other occupants, one suffered moderate injuries, and another sustained minor injuries; both were transported to Marian Medical Center’s emergency room by ground ambulances.
Three additional patients at the scene denied treatment. West Main Street was closed in both directions as investigations began to determine the cause of the deadly collision.
The Coroner’s Bureau has released the identity of the decedent in the traffic collision as 21-year-old Jesus Antonio Mata-Garcia from Santa Maria.
Third Incident – Possible Wrong-Way Fatal Crash on Highway 101 in Santa Maria, Shutting Down Highway 101 Southbound
Early Sunday morning at around 5:18 a.m., another traffic incident occurred on southbound Highway 101, just south of Betteravia Road in Santa Maria.
Responders arrived at a head-on collision that involved two vehicles, resulting in the death of an adult female at the scene. An adult male with critical injuries had to be extricated from the wreckage and was immediately transported to Marian Regional Medical Center. An adult female involved in the accident was found to be non-injured.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible wrong-way driver is to blame for the collision, as reported by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
As a consequence, the southbound lanes of Highway 101 are currently closed, with detours directing travelers to the on-ramp at Santa Maria Way. The roadway is projected to reopen by noon.
The Coroner’s Bureau has released the identity of the decedent in the traffic collision as 53-year-old Alma Teresa Alcorta Del Lazaro from Santa Maria.
Authorities remind everyone to stay vigilant on the roads and adhere to traffic rules to prevent future tragedies.
“Road Safety Alert: Santa Barbara County has experienced three fatal accidents in 24 hours. We urge everyone to slow down and stay alert. Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians—your actions can prevent tragedies. Drive safely,” stated County Fire Captain Scott Safechuck.
Investigations into all incidents are currently ongoing, as officials work to piece together the events that led to this string of fatal accidents.
