Maha Christopher
Five teenagers were killed and another passenger critically injured after a vehicle crashed into a traffic signal in Santa Maria, California, in a tragedy that has left families and the local community in mourning.
According to People, the fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday when emergency responders were called to the scene of a single vehicle collision at about 1:40 a.m.
Police identified the victims as Jennifer Gutierrez, 19, Yusbeli Diaz Galvez and Nicolas Munoz Gautreaux, both 17, and 16 year olds Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante and Isabella Star Vigil.
Authorities said four of the victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries shortly after being taken to hospital.
A sixth occupant of the vehicle, identified as 24 year old Aurelio Calixtro Matias, survived the crash but remains in critical condition.
In a statement, the Santa Maria Police Department described the incident as a devastating loss for the community.
“This collision is a devastating tragedy that has deeply impacted the families of those involved and the Santa Maria community as a whole,” police said.
The deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief across Santa Maria, where friends, relatives and classmates have paid tribute to the victims. Flowers, candles, photographs and balloons have been placed near the crash site in memory of the teenagers.
School officials confirmed that several of the victims were students within the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Counselling services have been made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities said they are examining whether speed or alcohol played a role and are carrying out a full reconstruction of the accident.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
