Gaviota crash results in minor injuries

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Two people suffered only minor injuries after a Toyota SUV plunged approximately 100 feet off the side of Highway 101 into a creek bed near the Gaviota Tunnel early Tuesday morning.
Other commuters apparently heard the commotion of the accident behind them as it occurred at 4:50 a.m., authorities said, and doubled back to find the vehicle in heavy brush near the creek.

County Fire Capt. Eli Iskow said firefighters had to cut back vegetation to reach the victims, identified only as a man and a woman, before hoisting them back to the roadside.
CHP Sgt. Steve Anaya said both victims suffered minor injuries, including lacerations and chest trauma, and were transported to the hospital. The cause of the crash has preliminarily been attributed to an accidental turning motion, he said.
Capt. Iskow said the vehicle appears to have clipped the guardrail before leaving the roadway. He also noted two dogs in the Toyota, a Labrador and a poodle, were missing following the crash. CHP officials said at least one dog had been found Tuesday afternoon.