1 killed, another in critical condition in crash on Highway 101 in Santa Maria

One woman died and a man was in critical condition following a crash on Highway 101 in Santa Maria on Sunday morning.

The crash also closed the southbound lanes of the highway.

According to a Caltrans news release, southbound Highway 101 was closed at Betteravia Road in Santa Maria following a reported head-on collision. The incident was reported just south of the road at the on-ramp at Santa Maria Way.

Santa Barbara County Fire spokesman Scott Safechuck posted photos on X that showed one of the cars caught on a barrier along the highway.

In the post, Safechuck said two vehicles were involved in the crash. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene while another male with critical injuries had to be extricated from a car and was transported by ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center.

According to CHP’s traffic incident report page, the incident was initially reported as “wrong-way driver” though further information was not immediately available.

Caltrans District 5 also posted on X that the projected time for reopening was at noon. The post said the southbound 101 on-ramp at Santa Maria Way remained open as a detour.