3 Killed in Head-on Crash Taft Highway, Harrison Road
3 Killed; 1 Injured in Head-on Collision on Taft Highway
KERN COUNTY, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2026) — Jose Ivan Martinez Birrueta, 29, and Nathan Steve Martinez, 26, both of Bakersfield, were among three killed Saturday in a head-on crash on Taft Highway in Taft, just southwest of Bakersfield.
The third person who died was not identified, bua a fourth person was hospitalized following the traffic accident on September 26, 2026, at around 7:41 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officers responded to the three-vehicle crash on Taft Highway, near Harrison Road.
Detectives working on the case determined the male driver of a 2020 Ford Ranger was heading eastbound on Taft Highway when the pickup truck veered into the path of an oncoming 2015 Mercedes sedan occupied by two men. The two vehicles crashed head-on, a 2018 Honda HR-V that was traveling behind the Mercedes went through the crash scene and was hit by debris.
Both the driver and passenger from the Mercedes died in the crash, along with the driver of the Ford. Meanwhile, the Santa Maria woman driving the Honda was hospitalized with major injuries.
It’s unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors. Finally, witnesses may call the CHP Buttonwillow Area Public Information Officer.
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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
