BUELLTON Two people were injured, including one who suffered major injuries, in a traffic collision involving two pickup trucks Monday on Refugio Road south of Roblar Avenue in Buellton, authorities said.
The collision was reported just before 7 p.m. Monday. As California Highway Patrol Officer Kelly Valdez responded, he noticed one of the trucks caught fire with 18-year-old Nathan Crandall, of Santa Ynez, trapped in the driver seat. Officer Valdez used a fire extinguisher to keep the flames away before fire crews arrived and removed Mr. Crandall from the vehicle. He was airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after suffering a fractured left femur and a fractured shoulder and arm, according to the CHP.
The driver of the other truck, Luca Bandinu, 21, of Santa Barbara, suffered minor injuries and sought medical care at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, the CHP said.
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the collision, authorities said.
The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Valdez or Officer Kevin McCool at the Buellton CHP Office, 681-5551.
