Santa Barbara, CA – A serious car accident occurred on Friday evening, December 13, 2024, on Hollister Avenue, just west of Auhay Drive. The collision involved two vehicles, one of which required the jaws of life for the extrication of its passengers. This unfortunate incident resulted in injuries to four individuals and caused a temporary disruption to local traffic while emergency services responded swiftly.
At around 7:56 p.m., emergency responders arrived at the scene to find one vehicle severely damaged. Hydraulic rescue tools were necessary to free an occupant trapped inside. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, working alongside local law enforcement, effectively managed the situation to ensure the safety of both victims and other motorists.
The collision led to injuries among four individuals. According to reports from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, three of the patients experienced minor injuries, while one sustained moderate injuries. All four injured individuals were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital via three ambulances that were dispatched for immediate medical assistance.
Despite the severity of the accident, traffic on Hollister Avenue remained open. The rapid response from emergency crews helped minimize the disruption, allowing for the area to be cleared and secured for safe travel without significant delays.
The local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious on the roads, especially during evening hours when visibility may be limited, and to adhere to all traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.