[07-11-2024] Kern County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Hospitalized Following Suspected Two-Vehicle DUI Head-On Crash Near Lamont

One person was killed, while another was hospitalized following a suspected two-vehicle DUI head-on crash near Lamont, Kern County, on Thursday afternoon, July 11, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly accident happened around 5:49 p.m. along Panama Lane, east of Vineland Road.

CHP confirmed that the collision involved a Hyundai driven by a woman and a GMC driven by a 40-year-old man from Arvin. Initial reports suggested that the Hyundai was moving eastbound on Panama Lane at an unverified speed. At the same time, the GMC was traveling westbound on the same roadway at about 25 mph.

For some reason, the female driver of the Hyundai reportedly veered into the westbound lane, moving directly in front of the oncoming GMC before crashing into it head-on. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles and serious injuries to its occupants.

The Hyundai driver suffered severe injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene by the responding officials. The GMC driver, on the other hand, survived. He was taken to a nearby hospital after sustaining major injuries.

None of the parties affected have been publicly identified yet, and the current status of the surviving victim is also undisclosed.

CHP is still investigating the incident. It is currently believed that alcohol intoxication is involved.

No additional details were immediately available.