Tehachapi, CA – On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver resulted in one fatality and left another person injured, according to KBAK.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred around 1:31 PM on Highway 58 west of the Highway 202 interchange near Tehachapi. 

Authorities say a woman driving a Jeep was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 58 when she collided head-on with a Ram 1500.

The driver of the Jeep, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact. The driver of the Ram 1500 sustained injuries and was transported to Kern Medical Center for treatment. The extent of those injuries has not been disclosed.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the wrong-way travel. It is not yet known whether drugs, alcohol, or a medical emergency contributed to the crash. No additional vehicles were involved.

The California Highway Patrol’s Mojave Area office is requesting that any witnesses to the collision come forward with information that could aid in the ongoing investigation.

Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.