UPDATE (1:35 p.m.) - Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, released the following statement to KSBY following Friday morning's collision when authorities say a wrong-way driver crashed head-on into a Chumash Casino bus on Highway 101.
"Most importantly, we are thankful that all 14 of our Team Members were able to safely evacuate the bus, be accounted for following the crash and avoid any further harm. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the first responders, law enforcement personnel, and medical teams for their swift and professional response. As we continue to support our Team Members and their families, we remain grateful for the outpouring of concern, compassion, and support from our community."
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UPDATE (8:54 a.m.) - According to the California Highway Patrol, at least one person was killed in the crash, which involved a wrong-way driver and Chumash Casino bus.
Delays were expected in the area throughout the morning, and drivers were advised to take alternate routes.
No other information was immediately available.
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ORIGINAL STORY: Two vehicles were engulfed in flames after crashing on SB Highway 101 just north of Los Alamos on Friday, June 26.
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, at approximately 3:17 a.m., a car traveling northbound in the southbound lanes collided head-on with a bus.
The car became fully engulfed in flames upon impact and the fire extended to the bus, which also became fully engulfed.
All passengers on the bus exited safely before the fire spread.
Fourteen bus passengers suffered minor injuries.
The number of occupants in the car is unknown.
According to the California Highway Patrol Incident Page, the crash initially closed all lanes on the SB Highway 101 and reduced NB Highway 101 to one lane. Lanes were reopened at approximately 5:10 a.m.
