Kings County, CA – Two Killed, One Hurt in Three-Vehicle Crash on 12 3/4 Avenue Near Douglas Avenue

Kings County, CA – Two people were killed, and at least one other was injured following a multi-vehicle crash on 12 3/4 Avenue in Kings County on Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred on 12 3/4 Avenue south of Douglas Avenue, north of Hanford, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Investigators said a man driving a 2022 Dodge Charger was traveling northbound in the southbound lane at a high rate of speed. At the same time, another man driving a GMC was traveling in the same area, while a woman in a Mitsubishi was heading south toward the oncoming Charger. The Dodge reportedly turned right into the GMC, colliding with it before striking the Mitsubishi.

The force of the crash sent both the Dodge and the GMC into a nearby dirt field. The GMC overturned, ejecting the driver and two passengers. The GMC driver and one passenger were pronounced dead at the scene, while another passenger was transported to Community Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries. The drivers of the Dodge and the Mitsubishi sustained minor to no injuries. No arrests were reported.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, though authorities noted the Dodge driver was traveling the wrong way at high speed prior to the collision.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and secured the area while assisting victims and clearing the wreckage.

The crash caused disruptions in the surrounding area as authorities worked to investigate and remove the damaged vehicles.

The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wrong-way driving crashes are among the most dangerous types of collisions, accounting for hundreds of fatalities nationwide each year. In California, data from the California Highway Patrol indicates that rural counties such as Kings County experience a notable number of fatal crashes due to high-speed travel and undivided roadways.

If you have lost a loved one in a crash, speaking with an experienced car accident attorney at our firm can help you understand your legal rights and options.