[08-02-2024] Kern County, CA – 40-Year-Old Male Passenger Killed, Multiple Others Injured After Two-Vehicle Crash Near Arvin

A 40-year-old male passenger was killed, while multiple others were injured after a two-vehicle crash near Arvin on Friday morning, August 2, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the traffic crash occurred at about 5:43 a.m. on South Edison Road and Herrig Road, southwest of the city.

The incident involved a 2007 Toyota Corolla driven by a 24-year-old man and a 2023 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 59-year-old man. Multiple passengers are said to have occupied the two vehicles, but authorities did not specify how many for each.

CHP stated that the Corolla was traveling southbound on South Edison Road, approaching the intersection with a stop sign. At the same time, the Tacoma was reportedly going westbound on the same roadway at about 55 mph without any stop signs at its side of the intersection.

The 24-year-old man behind the wheel of the Corolla reportedly did not stop at the stop sign before entering the intersection, which caused the Tacoma to hit its left side.

The left rear passenger of the Corolla, a 40-year-old man, suffered severe injuries due to the crash and was rushed to Kern Medical for treatment. Later the same day, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead while at the medical facility.

Meanwhile, both drivers of the two vehicles involved and several other passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries. They were all taken to Adventist Health and Kern Medical to be checked out and receive treatment. The total number of injured individuals was not disclosed.

CHP is still investigating the official cause of the accident. Alcohol or drug impairment has since been ruled out.

Further information was not immediately available.