UPDATE (2:15 p.m.) — The passenger of the vehicle that crashed Saturday night near the Cholame 'Y' intersection east of Shandon has "severe injuries," according to a family member of the passenger.
As of Sunday afternoon, the family member said the passenger is being treated at a hospital in San Luis Obispo and they are expecting a "long road to recovery."
CHP said officers arrested 70-year-old Fidel Martinez Lopez of San Miguel for driving under the influence following the head-on crash.
A gofundme account has been set up for some of the people involved in the crash.
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UPDATE (12:30 a.m.) — According to CHP, Fidel Martinez Lopez, 70, of San Miguel was arrested Saturday for DUI after a head-on collision along Highway 46.
CHP says at around 8:30 p.m. Lopez was driving eastbound at an unknown speed and due to Lopez's level of intoxication, when attempting to make a left turn onto Highway 41 he drove head-on into an oncoming vehicle.
Lopez suffered major injuries due to the crash. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle, both from Morro Bay, sustained moderate and minor injuries.
CHP says Lopez was arrested at the crash scene as he was determined to be driving under the influence.
Traffic lanes in the area were blocked-off for one hour as crews worked to clear the scene.
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UPDATE (10:22 p.m.) — All lanes are back open near the Cholame 'Y' according to a tweet from Caltrans.
Update: all lanes are now OPEN at #Hwy46/#Hwy41 intersection near Chilmark after 2-car crash earlier. @CaltransDist6
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) October 25, 2020
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ORIGINAL STORY (9:09 p.m.) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is on scene of a head-on vehicle collision near the Cholame 'Y' intersection east of Shandon.
According to CHP, two cars crashed where Highway 46 E and Highway 41 intersect around 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
At least three people are involved, but the extent of injuries are unknown at this time, according to initial reports from officials.
Per the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page, both eastbound and westbound lanes are blocked and heavy traffic is reported in the area.
Authorities believe a second traffic collision near the Cholame 'Y' occurred shortly after the first, however, it is unclear how many people are involved.
CAL FIRE SLO is also responding to the crash.
This is a developing story, check back later for details.
