July 31, 2023 / Source: KEYT News

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported a multi-vehicle accident in Santa Maria on Saturday. The accident occurred on the 9100 block of Highway 166 near Chimineas Road at around 6:46 p.m. 

According to the officials, the crash involved two vehicles – a car and a motorcycle. The events leading up to this are not yet known. However, the collision resulted in a fire that spread into the vegetation surrounding the wreck. 

The driver of the motorcycle was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has been withheld pending notification of the relatives. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. 

The cause of the fatal crash is still being investigated. It is not yet known if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. There are no other details available at this time.