BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Two individuals lost their lives as a result of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 178, involving a senior Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputy, on October 7, as reported by the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol’s investigation has revealed that at around 11:30 p.m., 31-year-old Jack Lee Brown from Weldon was traveling westbound on Highway 178, just west of Kelso Valley Road. In the process of navigating a slight right-hand curve, he crossed into the eastbound lane.
Regrettably, the front of Brown’s 1992 Geo collided with two motorcycles, a BMW, and a Yamaha. Following the impact, the Geo spiraled out of control and was sent hurtling along the eastbound lane.
In a bid to avoid a collision, Senior Deputy Amanda Plugge, operating a 2017 Ford, swerved, but the Geo ultimately crashed into the passenger side of her vehicle, according to the CHP.
Tragically, both the driver of the Geo and the BMW motorcycle rider sustained fatal injuries, as confirmed by the CHP. The Yamaha motorcyclist suffered severe injuries and was swiftly transported to Kern Medical for treatment. Fortunately, Deputy Plugge emerged from the incident unharmed.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, including the possibility of alcohol or drug involvement, are presently the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Anyone possessing pertinent information regarding this incident is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol at 661-396-6600.