Investigations into the incident reveal that a man was driving a 2022 Dodge Charger northbound on southbound 12 ½ Avenue at a high rate speed. At the same time, a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant was heading north in the northbound lane
Kings County, CA – A collision involving three vehicles left two people dead and another hospitalized in Kings County late Wednesday night.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the tragic incident was reported at around 11 p.m. March 18, on 12 ½ Avenue, south of Douglas Avenue near Laton.
Investigations into the incident reveal that a man was driving a 2022 Dodge Charger northbound on southbound 12 ½ Avenue at a high rate speed. At the same time, a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant was heading north in the northbound lane.
The driver of the Dodge saw the oncoming Mitsubishi and tried to swerve back into the northbound lane. However, the Dodge collided with a 2017 GMC Sierra traveling north in the northbound lane.
The Dodge also struck the left side of the Mitsubishi and the impact sent both vehicles into a dirt area along the side of the roadway. The GMC overturned, ejecting the driver and two passengers from the vehicle.
According to the CHP, the GMC driver and one passenger were declared deceased at the scene. The second passenger was taken to Community Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries.
The other two drivers were treated for unspecified injuries at the scene. The identities of the involved parties were not immediately released.
It’s unclear whether impairment played any role in the accident. The CHP is conducting an ongoing investigation into the deadly collision.
California continues to experience a high number of vehicle collisions each year. According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were over 2,000 fatal crashes and nearly 300,000 total collisions reported statewide in 2024. Rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions on major roads like 12 ½ Avenue contribute significantly to injuries and hospitalizations.
Drivers are reminded to maintain safe following distances, reduce speeds during low-light conditions, and avoid distractions while driving. Early-morning commuters should stay alert on busy freeways and always wear seatbelts to reduce the risk of serious injuries in multi-vehicle collisions.
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