SHAFTER, Calif., At 4:34 p.m., August 14, 2023, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle accident near the intersection of Lerdo Hwy and Driver Rd. Initial reports stated two vehicles were on fire and one person was pinned inside. The first KCFD engine company arrived and confirmed the incident location and reported a two-vehicle accident. Both vehicles were fully involved with fire, with one occupant out of their vehicle. Firefighters from KCFD's Shafter station (E32) worked to extinguish the vehicle fires and were notified by dispatch of the possibility of an infant trapped in one of the vehicles. Firefighters were able to knockdown the fires enough to search inside each vehicle and found one deceased person in the driver seat of the passenger vehicle. Additionally, firefighters performed multiple searches around the area of the accident for other victims and found none. Kern County firefighters remained on scene for the arrival of KCSO Coroner and assisted with the extrication of the deceased occupant of one of the vehicles.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by Shafter Police Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Shafter Police Department at (661) 746-8500.