Three of the six people killed or injured in a suspected DUI crash in Santa Maria on Sunday were Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students, while another attended a Lompoc Valley school, officials confirmed Monday.
Five people died after a vehicle slammed into a traffic signal pole at the intersection of Broadway and South Miller Street at around 1:40 a.m.
The vehicle was ripped in two by the impact.
The sixth person, a male, remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Monday afternoon, according to police.
As of Monday evening, authorities had not released the names of the five people killed in the crash.
On Monday, officers began canvassing for surveillance video that could be helpful as they investigate the crash, Santa Maria Police Sgt. Shane Armstrong told Noozhawk.
They also recontacted witnesses regarding any additional information they might have about the crash.
“Preliminary evidence located at the scene suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor,” Armstrong said Sunday. “However, the investigation remains ongoing and no final determination has been made at this time.”
No one has been arrested in connection with the crash as police continue their investigation, including determining who was driving.
Santa Maria school district spokesperson Kenny Klein confirmed that the six people involved in the crash were “young people.”
He said one of them was a student at Pioneer Valley High School, and another attended Santa Maria High.
The third district student was a former Pioneer Valley student who was enrolled in the Delta High School program.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and school communities. Counseling services will remain available throughout the week. Please respect the privacy of everyone related to this horrible incident,” Klein said.
Lompoc Unified School District Supt. Clara Finneran confirmed that a Maple Continuation High School student died in the crash.
“Our school counseling team is available to respond to the emotional needs of our students. If your student needs support or space to process their emotions, please have them come to the front office at Maple, and we will support them,” Maple Principal Laurel Schroeder told the campus community.
While Lompoc’s school year ended last week, counselors also will be available from 8 a.m. to noon at Cabrillo High School this week and during summer school, district officials said.
A memorial near the crash scene continued to grow Monday, with more candles, flowers, balloons and other items added to remember those killed.
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District has four main campuses: Ernest Righetti High School, Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria High School and Delta High School.
The crash occurred the last weekend before the Santa Maria high school district’s students and staff will begin their summer break.
As the school year wraps up, students at the campuses began final exams Monday, with the testing continuing through Wednesday.
Delta, a continuation high school, will hold its graduation ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Righetti.
Commencement for the three comprehensive high schools will take place Thursday at their own stadiums, with Righetti at 9 a.m., Pioneer Valley at 11:30 a.m., and Santa Maria at 2 p.m.
