UPDATE (3:30 a.m. Tuesday) - The California Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that left four people dead in Templeton Monday night.
At about 9:30 p.m., CHP officials say a car was speeding on Neal Springs Rd. near Hollyhock Rd. when the driver crashed into an oak tree.
The man behind the wheel sped up to pass the car in front of him near Berry Patch Ln. and Deer View Ln. and suddenly applied the brakes. CHP reports the car careened off the roadway and into the embankment.
The car came to rest, wrapped around a large oak tree, according to CHP.
The three passengers were all identified as females, one of them was completely ejected from the back seat upon impact, despite wearing a seat belt.
According to CHP, everyone in the car was wearing a seat belt.
Officers say speed was the primary factor in the crash but they are looking into whether there were other contributing factors.
Neal Springs Road was closed from Creston Road to Berry Patch Lane for several hours following the crash. The road reopened at about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.
If you have any information regarding the collision, you're encouraged to contact the Templeton office of the Highway Patrol at (805) 434-1822.
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UPDATE (10:58 p.m.) -According to CAL FIRE SLO, a fourth occupant was found deceased. Three people in the vehicle with one ejection. Firefighters remain on scene.
UPDATE (10:16 p.m.) -Three people are confirmed dead, according to CAL FIRE SLO.
The occupants were ejected, authorities say.
Officials are asking people to use caution when driving through the area.
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UPDATE (10:01 p.m.) - CAL FIRE SLO reports that the single vehicle collision on Monday night was fatal -- and there was no fire, though smoke was seen coming out the crashed vehicle.
The driver was going at a high rate of speed, according to CAL FIRE SLO. The person will need extrication from the vehicle. Coroners are due on scene.
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A vehicle crashed into a tree and caught fire in Templeton on Neal Springs Road at around 9:30 on Monday night.
Three engines are responding to the incident, according to CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo.
This is a developing story. Continue to check back for updates.
