Hollister
– Three people were injured early Sunday in a head-on crash on
Highway 25 that investigators say was caused by a drunken
driver.
Hollister – Three people were injured early Sunday in a head-on crash on Highway 25 that investigators say was caused by a drunken driver.
The crash occurred at 4:45am about 100 yards south of the intersection of Highway 25 and Highway 156, according to the California Highway Patrol.
One of the drivers, 18-year-old Phillip A. Muniz Jr. of Gilroy, was arrested on felony driving under the influence charges. Due to his severe injuries, Muniz was taken to San Jose Regional Hospital. He was still there on Monday, but hospital officials would not release information about his condition.
The crash occurred when a southbound 1999 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Muniz crossed the highway median and struck a 2004 Saturn Vue driven by 25-year-old Hollister resident Rebecca L. Dattilo.
Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were flown by helicopter to nearby hospitals, CHP Officer Chris Armstrong said.
Martin J. Flores, 18, a passenger in Muniz’s car, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital.
Along with the CHP, both the Hollister Fire Department and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the crash.
Hollister Fire Capt. Bob Martin Del Campo, who was at the scene, said both cars were so badly damaged that Jaws of Life had to be used to remove both drivers.
It took more than 30 minutes to cut Dattilo out of her car, Martin Del Campo said. She suffered leg injuries, including multiple fractures and dislocation. She was taken by helicopter to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where she was in fair condition on Monday, hospital spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said.
Dattilo was wearing a seatbelt, authorities said.
Muniz, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown into the back seat of his car, Martin Del Campo said. He suffered major leg injuries, including fractures and dislocation, and cuts to his face. He was flown by helicopter to the San Jose hospital.
Flores, the passenger in the Grand Am, suffered cuts and bruises and was taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He was in good condition at the hospital on Monday, Alexiou said.
Flores was wearing his seat belt, authorities said.
Martin Del Campo said it was fortunate that a fire department engine company equipped with Jaws of Life was on duty when the crash occurred. Of three rotating crews, only two have Jaws of Life because of recent city budget cuts, he said.
“If this would have happened on another shift, we would have had to wait for the rescue to be staffed and that would add 30 minutes to the wait. The survivability of the patients wouldn’t be as good,” Martin Del Campo said.
The road was closed for more than two hours after the crash, Martin Del Campo said.
The driving conditions were dark, dry and clear according to the CHP.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at aj**@fr***********.com.
