Miguel Ayala Jr. Involved in Fatal Head-On Crash on Highway 166 in Santa Maria

Miguel Ayala Jr. Unharmed in Deadly Two-Vehicle Wreck on Highway 166 Near Cottonwood Canyon Road

SANTA MARIA, CA (December 13, 2018) – A female driver lost her life early Wednesday following a head-on fiery collision with a Peterbilt semi-truck on Highway 166 near Cottonwood Canyon Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers began receiving reports around 1:54 a.m. about a vehicle on fire in the 7700 block of Highway 166.

A preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified female was heading eastbound in a 1996 Ford F-250 pickup truck when she allowed the vehicle to drift into the westbound lanes under unknown circumstances. Miguel Ayala Jr., of Shafter, who was heading westbound on the highway in his semi-truck tried slowing down but was unable to avoid hitting the Ford.

Due to the impact, the Peterbilt veered off the road before it rolled onto its side, coming to a rest just south of the westbound lanes of traffic. The Ford also careered off the roadway, rolled onto its side and caught on fire, say CHP reports.

The unidentified female died at the scene while Ayala, 31, was unharmed. He refused medical treatment and hospitalization. Both drivers were confirmed to be wearing their seatbelts.

Although Ayala’s semi-truck was carrying crude oil, none of it had spilled during the crash. The tank, however, did rupture when crews tried moving the vehicle.

A follow-up investigation of this deadly crash is underway.

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Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to the bereaved family and friends of the victim.

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