Cinco muertos en accidente automovilístico en Santa María; se investigan alcohol y velocidad

A devastating single-vehicle crash in Santa Maria early Sunday morning has left five people dead and a sixth in critical condition, according to the Santa Maria Police Department. The collision occurred just after 1:30 a.m.

at the intersection of South Broadway and Miller Street, when a car struck a traffic signal pole with such force that four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth victim later succumbed to injuries at Marian Regional Medical Center, while the sixth remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the crash, but preliminary evidence suggests that alcohol may have been a contributing factor. Officers also reported that the vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed before impact.

The severity of the crash prompted the closure of both sides of Highway 135 during the initial investigation.

The identities of the deceased have not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Santa Maria Police Department is urging anyone with information about the crash to contact them.

The community is in shock as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.