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A female CSU Monterey Bay student died Jan. 28 and two others were in “serious condition” following a single-vehicle accident near San Juan Bautista on San Justo Road. She was 18 years old. The two surviving victims, the driver and passenger, were airlifted to a trauma center.
San Benito County Detective Sgt. Bryan Penny told BenitoLink alcohol or drugs were not suspected to be involved in the accident.
He said California Highway Patrol’s initial investigation indicates the vehicle was going at an “excessive speed” and rolled over near Prescott Road around 5 p.m.
The Hollister Firefighters Association said witnesses reported that the vehicle was speeding, lost control, and rolled multiple times.
Penny said the students were not from the county and were passing through San Juan Bautista but that he did not know their destination or where they were coming from.
CHP said the students were traveling east.
“We extend our condolences to those affected by this tragic event,” stated Area Commander, Captain Noel Coady. “Driving is a privilege and comes with the responsibility of obeying traffic laws. There are significant consequences when laws are ignored. This loss of life was avoidable.”
Penny said San Justo Road’s sharp turns could have contributed to the accident.
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