A 53-year-old man from Bakersfield died when the big rig he was driving went off Highway 101 south of Orcutt.
The crash occurred at 2:30 p.m. Thursday on northbound Highway 101, north of Solomon Road, California Highway Patrol Officer Maria Barriga said Sunday, when CHP first released the details.
The tractor-trailer veered off the east edge of the roadway and into a nearby vineyard for reasons that remain under investigation, Barriga said Sunday.
The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle, she added.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as officers work to identify any contributing factors.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this tragic crash, and we extend our condolences to the family and friends of the driver during this difficult time,” said Lt. Joseph Rodriguez, commander of the CHP’s Santa Maria area office. “This incident serves a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance for all drivers.”
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau will release the name of the driver after family members have been notified.
At least three fatal crashes have occurred since Thursday afternoon with the others involving motorcycle riders, one of whom died Friday in the city of Santa Maria.
A Saturday afternoon motorcycle crash off Highway 166, northeast of Santa Maria, killed the passenger and left the driver with critical injuries.
