A head-on collision on Wheeler Ridge Road at Creekside Drive, south of Arvin in Kern County, left one person dead and two others injured on Friday evening, October 9, 2026. The crash happened at about 6:44 p.m. between a 2012 Toyota Tacoma pickup and a 2016 Honda CR-V. The right-front passenger of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers were hurt.
According to KGET, citing the California Highway Patrol, the Toyota was traveling southbound when its driver, a man from Arvin, allegedly made an unsafe turning movement, crossed the broken yellow lines and entered the northbound lane, striking the Honda. KGET reports the Toyota driver had moderate injuries and the Honda driver, a woman, had major injuries. CHP said alcohol or drugs appeared to be factors in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing and no one has been found at fault in court. Bakersfield Now also reported that speeds for both vehicles have not been determined.
