Cambria man arrested on suspicion of DUI after major collision
Francisco Marinbenal lost control of his vehicle while traveling 100 mph on Highway 46, police say
Francisco Marinbenal lost control of his vehicle while traveling 100 mph on Highway 46, police say–Officers from California Highway Patrol have arrested 31-year-old Cambria man Francisco Marinbenal on suspicion of drunk driving after he lost control of his vehicle while speeding on Highway 46 Thursday.
Francisco Marinbenal, 31, of Cambria, was driving a Saturn SL2 eastbound on Highway 46 at an estimated speed of 100 mph. Marinbenal attempted to pass several vehicles over solid double yellow lines on a curve. Police say Marinbenal lost control of his vehicle as he passed and struck the eastbound dirt shoulder causing his vehicle to roll over multiple times. He struck and sheared a power pole sending power lines down onto the roadway where they were struck by 66-year-old Paso Robles resident Patsy Jean Hardin driving a Ford Edge. Hardin was uninjured. Marinbenal’s vehicle tumbled through a perimeter fence and came to a stop on the bank of a deep ravine.
The California Highway Patrol closed the highway due to the live power lines as Cal Fire personnel extricated Marinbenal from his vehicle. PG&E responded to the scene and cut power to the downed lines. The driver was transported to Sierra Vista Medical Center where he was treated for major injuries. He was placed under arrest by the California Highway Patrol for suspicion of drunk driving. He was released into the custody of the hospital to to the severity of his injuries.
No other parties were injured in this collision and seat belts were utilized by both drivers. This collision is currently being investigated by the California Highway Patrol.
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