Jan
10
On January 8, 2008 a 1990 Isuzu special construction vehicle (paint striping) was traveling southbound on US 101 approaching Bailard Avenue in Carpinteria. According to witnesses, who were traveling directly behind the Isuzu, it drifted to the right out of the traffic lane and onto the shoulder, where it traveled several hundred feet through an area of ice plant before striking a wood/metal guard rail and then a concrete pillar for the Bailard Avenue over pass.
The driver of the Isuzu, a male resident of Sylmar, was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force impact trauma. The right front passenger, 35 year old Gabriel Luna of Santa Paula, was extricated out of the vehicle by the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department using the “Jaws of Life.” Mr. Luna was transported by AMR Ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where he was treated and released for only minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing their seatbelts.
The Isuzu was en route back to Ventura County after working overnight at the Santa Barbara Airport conducting paint striping. Due to the circumstances of the collision, CHP investigators suspect that the deceased driver fell asleep at the wheel. The collision remains under investigation. The right lane of US 101 southbound was closed during the investigation and clean up. It was reopened at 10 AM.
A small amount of paint was spilled from the Izusu but was deemed not hazardous by inspectors and was cleaned up by Caltrans. No damage was sustained to the Bailard Avenue over pass. No other vehicles were involved and alcohol is not suspected. The name of the victim will be released one next of kin notification has been completed by the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Department.
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