UPDATE (Wednesday, Dec. 27) - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim of Monday's deadly crash as Gregorio Dominguez, 65, of Guadalupe.
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UPDATE (Tuesday, Dec. 26) - The surviving driver in a head-on collision on Christmas Day near Guadalupe was arrested and investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash happened just before 1:40 a.m. on Highway 166, also known as W. Main Street, between Simas Road and Bonita School Road.
According to the CHP, Bladimir Agustin-Chavez, 27, of Santa Maria was driving eastbound when he crossed over the double yellow lines into the path of another man who was traveling westbound.
Chavez reportedly suffered moderate injuries, including cuts to his legs and stomach, and was arrested.
The other driver, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene.
The CHP is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who has further information about this incident to contact the CHP's Santa Maria office at (805) 349-8728.
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(Monday, Dec. 25, 2023) - A driver was killed early Christmas morning in a head-on crash near Santa Maria.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reports the crash happened at around 1:38 a.m. Monday on West Main Street one mile west of Bonita School Road.
Fire officials say both drivers required extrication. One was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
No other information was immediately available.
