Maria Mondragon Hospitalized after Bakersfield Accident on Highway 43 near Munzer Road
Bakersfield, California (August 12, 2021) – The California Highway Patrol has identified the Shafter woman who was hospitalized after being involved in a fatal car crash in Bakersfield Tuesday morning as Maria Mondragon.
The two-vehicle collision took place on Highway 43, just south of Munzer Road, at about 5:05 a.m.
The accident happened when a vehicle driven by Juvencio Palma of Taft northbound on the highway at 45 mph swerved into the southbound lane for unknown reasons. Maria Mondragon, who was traveling south on Highway 43 at around 60 mph, attempted to turn left to avoid the other vehicle, but Palma adjusted his car in its original lane. In the process, both automobiles collided head-on along northbound Highway 43.
Woman Killed, 2 Injured in Bakersfield Head-On Collision
A 48-year-old Shafter woman who was riding in Mondragon's car was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mondragon survived with minor injuries and was rushed to Kern Medical for medication.
Palma is said to have suffered minor injuries and sought medical help on his own.
An investigation into the accident is underway.