KERN COUNTY, Calif. (June 12, 2023) — Simon Fraire Lamas, 56, of Bakersfield, died May 31st in a head-on crash on Taft Highway 119 Wednesday morning at South Enos Lane in Bakersfield.
Two other drivers including, Mario Bernardino Argil, suffered major injuries in the 3-vehicle crash.
The collision occurred in the westbound lanes at 5:29 a.m. on May 31st, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Bakersfield man was driving a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck when he was involved in the collision with the drivers of a 2019 GMC 2500 and a Ford F-250 pickup truck at a roundabout connecting State Route 119 and South Enos Lane.
Head-on Crash on Taft Highway
Investigators reported a man from Taft was driving a 2019 GMC 2500 eastbound on Taft Highway, just east of Coles Levee. Meanwhile, Mario Bernardino Argil of Bakersfield was traveling in the opposite direction in the Ford pickup truck and was ahead of the GMC.
Also, Simon Fraire Lamas was also driving westbound in his 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 and was behind the Ford pickup truck.
Apparently, the driver of the 2019 GMC got too close to the driver in the Ford truck and veered to the left where his vehicle partially entered the westbound lane. He hit the front left side of the Ford before crashing head-on with the GMC driven by Simon Lamas, according to Bakersfield Now.
Traffic came to a stop in all directions and someone called 911 to report the crash. They stated a vehicle was on fire, but then it stopped.
The man driving the GMC 1500 died at the scene. Mario Bernardino Argil suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital. The driver of the 2019 GMC also suffered major injuries and was hospitalized.
Tow trucks removed the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Investigators are working on the case to determine fault for the fatal Bakersfield crash on Taft Highway 119. Witnesses may call the California Highway Patrol, Buttonwillow Area office at (661) 764-5580.
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group hopes this news information is timely and helpful. Additionally, if you would like to contribute any information, add a GoFundMe page or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Source: CHP Incident: 00038, Bakersfield Now
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