Jose Mendoza Killed in Bakersfield Collision on Highway 33 near Lerdo Highway
Bakersfield, California (March 16, 2022) – Jose Mario Gomez Mendoza, 53, of Salinas has been identified as one of two victims of a deadly Saturday evening collision in Bakersfield, the Kern County Coroner's Office said.
The collision took place just before 5 p.m. March 12, on Highway 33, just north of Lerdo Highway.
The California Highway Patrol said Jose Wuilver Rodas Cruz, 22, of Salinas, was driving north on Highway 33 when, for unknown reasons, he lost control and drifted into the opposing lanes. His vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.
Jose Mendoza Among 2 Killed in Bakersfield Car Crash on Highway 33
Mendoza was a passenger in the vehicle that Cruz was driving. The two were both killed in the collision.
The second driver was transported to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.