Bakersfield, California – On the fateful night of Wednesday, January 17, 2024, a 64-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman lost their lives in a shocking fatal crash on Highway 65. Another person involved in the accident has been hospitalized.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) detailed that a Chevrolet was traveling south on Highway 65, north of Highway 155. In a tragic turn of events, a Nissan entered the southbound lane, placing itself directly in the path of the Chevrolet.
Authorities received the call about the accident at the intersection of Highways 65 and 155, around 6:45 p.m. The Kern County Fire Department quickly mobilized to the scene of the incident.
Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with a heartbreaking scene. Two vehicles lay overturned, one of them engulfed in flames. The gravity of the situation was palpable, and rescuers hurried to take action.
Reports indicate that brave bystanders managed to pull a person from the burning vehicle before firefighters arrived at the scene. The Chevrolet’s driver, a 44-year-old man from Bakersfield, suffered moderate to severe injuries and was airlifted to the hospital.
Highway 65 experienced a closure from Highway 155 to Avenue 2 for approximately three hours. This time was crucial for conducting a thorough investigation and carrying out the necessary cleanup to restore normalcy on the road.
The accident investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking answers about the circumstances that led to this tragic crash on Highway 65.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims.
