A woman died and a man was critically injured and had to be extricated from a vehicle due to a crash caused by a wrong-way driver Sunday morning on southbound Highway 101 in Santa Maria. 

Firefighters from Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County responded at approximately 5:25 a.m. to a crash on southbound Highway 101 just south of Betteravia Road, county fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said.

The crash involved two vehicles, one of which ended up against the concrete center divider. 

At 5:13 a.m., California Highway Patrol officers received a report of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 101 north of Los Alamos, CHP Officer Maria Barriga said Sunday.

Approximately 10 minutes after the initial call, the Mazda CX-9 going the wrong direction collided with a Chevrolet Silverado.

“Due to the impact the right front passenger of the Chevrolet Silverado sustained fatal injuries and the driver sustained major injuries,” Barriga said.

Firefighters had to extricate the truck’s driver, Cecilio L. Camacho, 63, of Santa Maria, from the vehicle.

Camacho, who had critical injuries, was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment. 

His passenger, a 53-year-old Santa Maria woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Mazda’s driver, Kendra Cordova, 34, of Santa Maria also received major injuries in the crash.

She was arrested in connection with the crash, according to Barriga.

CHP officers didn’t identify the specific charges Cordova faces, but did say alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Santa Maria police officers also assisted with traffic control.

The name of the woman killed in the crash will be released after notification of family members, CHP officers said.

Southbound Highway 101 between Betteravia and Santa Maria Way remained closed for several hours Sunday morning, 

The highway reopened Sunday afternoon, according to Caltrans.

This was the third fatal crash in the North County in less than 24 hours after a motorcyclist died Saturday after driving off Jalama Road and another driver died in a crash west of Santa Maria late Saturday night.

“Santa Barbara County has experienced three fatal accidents in 24 hours,” Safechuck added Sunday. “We urge everyone to slow down and stay alert. Watch for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians — your actions can prevent tragedies. Drive safely.”