SANTA MARIA, Calif.- One man is dead and two others are badly injured after they were struck by a truck while crossing a busy street in Santa Maria.
Santa Maria Police tell Central Coast News four people were walking to a Mexican food restaurant on South Broadway at 8:30 Saturday night moments before they were hit.
"There were four pedestrians crossing Broadway in the 600 block of South Broadway when a vehicle was traveling southbound struck three of the four pedestrians crossing the street," says Lieutenant Rico Flores, Santa Maria Police Department.
Santa Maria Police say a Lompoc man driving a 1997 Toyota pick-up truck hit the pedestrians as they were jaywalking.
"One still is recovering from major injuries the third is minor injuries and I believe that person was released," says Flores.
Santa Maria Police say this tragedy could have been prevented.
"More people than not don't cross where their supposed to at the intersections. Even if it's marked or unmarked at cross walks so therefore you have people in this case they were wearing dark clothing. It was 8:30 in the evening the lighting is adequate, but however when you are crossing whether it's mid-block of what, the pedestrian as well as the driver always have to be aware of each other," says Flores.
Santa Maria Police do not suspect alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash. As of Sunday evening, the names of the victims and driver have not been released.
