Two people killed in Santa Cruz Mountains crash, CHP investigating

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The CHP's Santa Cruz area office said it is investigating a crash that left two people dead Saturday evening.

It happened on State Route 9 south of State Route 35 at approximately 4:47 p.m. The agency said an 18-year old woman from San Jose was driving a white 2018 Tesla Model 3 northbound while a 61-year old man and 59-year old woman were riding a blue 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle headed southbound, north of the Tesla.

For reasons still under investigation, the vehicles collided head-on, ejecting both motorcycle riders. The CHP said both riders were declared dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts being taken. The driver of the Tesla was not injured, according to the agency.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and it's unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a part.

The CHP added both motorcycle riders were hearing helmets at the time of the crash and the Tesla's driver was wearing a seatbelt.

The victims will be identified by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.