A driver was critically injured and transported to the hospital by helicopter Thursday afternoon after crashing a vehicle over the side of Highway 154 east of Lake Cachuma. 

The vehicle ended up about 100 feet off the roadway, a mile west of the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, shortly after 4 p.m., Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said.

The driver had major injuries and was trapped under the vehicle.

Responding fire crews reported “heavy extrication” in the incident.

“Firefighters performed vehicle stabilization, used lift bags to raise the vehicle, and utilized a rope system to bring the patient and rescuers topside” to the highway, Safechuck said.

A Calstar medical helicopter responded to the scene to transport the patient to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

His name and details on his condition were not available.

Shortly after 5 p.m., the California Highway Patrol shut down Highway 154 in both directions in the area of the crash so the helicopter could land on the roadway and load the patient on board.

Lanes reopened by 5:30 p.m., according to the CHP.

The CHP was investigating the cause of the collision.

Santa Barbara City Fire Department and Los Padres National Forest personnel also responded to the scene, Safechuck said.