[09-09-2026] Kern County, CA – One Killed, Another Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 46 Near Wasco

A 55-year-old Avenal man was killed, and another driver suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 46 near Wasco on Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded around 6:15 a.m. to Highway 46 at Wildwood Road, near Wasco State Prison.

CHP’s preliminary investigation indicated that a 43-year-old Wasco man was driving a 2026 Ford F-350 westbound on Highway 46 and attempting to turn south onto Wildwood Road. At the same time, the 55-year-old man was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound on Highway 46.

According to CHP, the Ford driver failed to yield the right-of-way and turned into the Chevrolet’s path. The Chevrolet driver was unable to avoid the collision, and the Ford’s front struck the Chevrolet’s side.

The Chevrolet driver sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity. The Ford driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment.

CHP said it was not yet known whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.

The investigation remains ongoing.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.