Officials say an alleged drunk driver may have caused an early morning accident in Santa Maria on Oct. 19.
A Jeep crossed over into the lane of an oncoming semitrailer, and collided head-on. The semi was traveling 20 m.p.h. in very thick fog.
Santa Barbara County E-21 and Guadalupe E-1 were dispatched to Betteravia and Sinton Roads for a vehicle accident. Units were advised that there was a semi and a passenger car involved, with injuries. E-21 requested Santa Maria City to respond.
First-in E-21 arrived to find one passenger jeep in the roadway with one subject trapped with major front end damage, and a commercial truck on the side of the road upright with moderate front end damage. Santa Maria E-2 arrived next and assisted with extrication of the driver. Guadlupe E-1 assessed the driver of the truck and assisted with extrication and patient care of the Jeep's driver.
It took just over 30 minutes to free the trapped driver, who suffered from a broken leg, and facial injuries.
AMR Medics transported the patient.
The California Highway Patrol added that the driver of the jeep wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
The driver of the semi was wearing a seatbelt, and suffered minor injuries.
Learn how to submit your photo story, apparatus or station here: firehouse.com/fh-network
