P.MarkShayani
Bakersfield, CA – Two people were killed in a head-on collision involving two vehicles on Highway 46 in Bakersfield early Saturday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The deadly crash occurred on Highway 46 east of Kurt Road at approximately 2:30 a.m. on March 14.
Officers from the CHP Buttonwillow office responded to the scene following reports of a serious two-vehicle accident.
Authorities reported that Gael Salto Fernandez, 20, of Wasco, was driving a 2011 Toyota Corolla eastbound, while Stanley Carbajal, a 36-year-old resident of Paso Robles, was traveling westbound in a 2024 Toyota Prius on Highway 46.
For reasons that remain unclear, the Corolla crossed over the painted center dividing lines and entered the westbound lane, directly into the path of the oncoming Prius, resulting in a head-on collision.
Gael Fernandez and Carbajal were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made in connection with the crash.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
Emergency responders, including CHP officers, arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The collision led to disruptions along Highway 46 as officials worked to clear the wreckage and conduct their on-site investigation.
The incident remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
