Santa Maria, CA (September 9, 2024) A late-night accident near Santa Maria involved three vehicles, a hit-and-run driver and ended with a man giving a baby to a stranger, officers reported. However, the chaotic incident claimed the life of a 21-year-old driver and left several others injured. It all happened on West Main Street/Highway 166, not far from Hanson Way, just after 11:00 p.m.
A 2008 Nissan Frontier was driving east on West Main Street/Highway 166 as a vehicle approached behind it. The vehicle was a Nissan Kick, according to reports. The driver of the Nissan Kick sped up and attempted to overtake the Frontier, according to Maria Barriga, an officer with the CHP. The Kick veered into the left turn lane in an attempt to pass the Frontier. As it did, a 2016 Dodge Journey was heading west. The Kick slammed into the Dodge, head-on, Barriga reported. The impact pushed the Dodge into the Frontier. One of the vehicles ended up on its roof, officers said, and the Frontier ended up 10 feet from the roadway in a ditch.
Emergency responders from both the Santa Maria Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department arrived at the scene. They found the the 21-year-old driver of the Nissan Kick with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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A bystander at the scene was holding a baby. Reports indicated that the male driver of the Dodge Journey handed the baby to the bystander before fleeing the scene. A woman remained in the pickup truck, officers reported. Eribertha Martinez-Amado was questioned by authorities in an effort to locate the driver who fled the scene.
Several were found with injuries and transported to Marian Regional Medical Center to receive treatment for minor to moderate injuries, according to reports. At this time, officers believe that alcohol may have played a role in this fatal accident near Santa Maria. Officers are working to locate the male driver of the Dodge pickup truck who fled the scene.
Our hearts go out to the family of the 21-year-old who was killed in this collision. If you or someone you care about has been affected by this collision, our legal team is ready to help! Call today.
