BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A wrong-way crash on southbound Highway 99 left three dead and three injured early Sunday morning.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded at approximately 12:44 a.m. on August 16, near 7th Standard Road. The incident involved a 2022 Honda Accord, a white 2019 BMW 530i, and a white 2022 Chevrolet Colorado.
Three occupants of the Honda, identified as 41-year-old Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 20-year-old Kylie Wetmore, and 16-year-old Kloie Wetmore, all from Bakersfield, died at the scene. Kylie was driving the Honda; Vanessa and Kloie were passengers.
The BMW's driver, a 44-year-old man, suffered severe injuries, while the Chevrolet's two occupants sustained minor injuries. Emergency services provided medical aid on-site.
According to CHP, the Honda was completely engulfed in flames due to the crash. Investigators are determining which vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction.
As a result of the incident, CHP has closed multiple lanes on southbound Highway 99 for the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the victims' family, mourning the loss as a celebration of life turned tragic.