CHP: Santa Cruz street race crash sends two to hospital

The California Highway Patrol believes a street race on Highway 1 played a factor in an accident that sent two men to the hospital.

The collision occurred north of Highway 129 around 12:35 a.m. Tuesday.

19-year-old Ray Magana was driving his 2011 BMW south on Highway 1 when he collided with a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro driven by 23-year-old Abel Torres Jr.

The BMW crashed through a guardrail, rolled over and landed on its wheels on W Beach Street. The Chevy struck the center median and a tree.

Magana suffered major injuries and was taken to Natividad Medical Center. Torres suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Watsonville Hospital.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to have played a factor.

“It’s believed the two were involved in an unsanctioned street race,” said CHP Santa Cruz.

Both lanes of southbound Highway 1 were closed for about 20 minutes while crews cleaned up debris.

If anyone witnessed the crash please call Officer Silva at 831-662-0511.