BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A wrong-way crash on southbound Highway 99 early Sunday led to the deaths of a mother and her two daughters.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the incident at approximately 12:44 a.m. on August 16, north of 7th Standard Road. Authorities reported a 2022 Honda Accord, driven by 20-year-old Kylie Wetmore, collided with a 2019 BMW 530i, operated by a 44-year-old man, and a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by a 41-year-old woman.
All three occupants of the Honda — identified as 41-year-old Vanessa Sue Wetmore, 20-year-old Kylie Wetmore, and 16-year-old Kloie Wetmore — perished in the fire that engulfed the vehicle. The driver of the BMW sustained severe injuries, while the two individuals in the Chevrolet suffered minor injuries.
Investigators are working to determine which vehicle was traveling the wrong way. As of now, it remains unclear if alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.
Emergency services and the Kern County Coroner's Office are involved in the ongoing investigation. Lane closures were implemented during the response to the crash, affecting traffic in the area.