The crash occurred around 6:44 p.m. on October 9, 2026, in the 3700 block of Wheeler Ridge Road near Creekside Drive.
Bakersfield, CA – A passenger was killed and two drivers were injured in a head-on collision involving a pickup truck and an SUV Friday evening on Wheeler Ridge Road south of Lamont.
The crash occurred around 6:44 p.m. on October 9, 2026, in the 3700 block of Wheeler Ridge Road near Creekside Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators said that a 2012 Toyota Tacoma traveling southbound was approaching Creekside Drive. At the same time, a 2016 Honda CR-V was also approaching Creekside Drive from the opposite direction.
Investigators said the Toyota driver made an unsafe turning movement, causing the pickup to lose control, cross the broken yellow center lines, and enter the northbound lane. The Toyota collided head-on with the Honda.
The Toyota driver, a man from Arvin, sustained moderate injuries.
The Honda driver, only identified as a female, suffered severe injuries. Her male front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the deceased passenger was not immediately made public.
Authorities said alcohol and/or drugs appeared to have contributed to the collision. The crash remains under investigation
.