By Crash News Writer 
Taft, CA (September 29, 2026) – Three people were killed and another suffered major injuries Saturday night in a three-vehicle collision on State Route 119 near Taft.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:41 p.m. on September 26 on Taft Highway, west of Harrison Road. Investigators said a 2020 Ford Ranger traveling east collided head-on with a westbound 2015 Mercedes sedan.
A 2018 Honda HR-V traveling behind the Mercedes then entered the crash area and was struck by debris from the initial collision.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified two of the people killed as 29-year-old Jose Ivan Martinez Birrueta and 26-year-old Nathan Steve Martinez, both of Bakersfield. Birrueta was driving the Mercedes, and Martinez was his passenger.
The Ford driver also died. Authorities had not identified that individual in the initial report.
A woman from Santa Maria who was driving the Honda suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital.
Investigators continue to examine what caused the head-on collision, including whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
A multi-vehicle crash can leave injured people and surviving families with questions about how the collision occurred, available insurance coverage, and their legal rights. Reviewing car accident laws in California can help you understand some of the state laws that may affect an accident claim.
If you or your family has been affected by a car accident near me or a car accident near Taft, preserve records connected to the collision. Photographs, witness information, medical records, insurance communications, and documentation of financial losses may become important when determining what happened and evaluating a potential claim.
You should also request the car accident report when it becomes available. In a crash involving several vehicles, investigators may examine vehicle damage, debris patterns, roadway evidence, witness accounts, and other information to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Following a fatal car accident near me, surviving family members may have questions about funeral costs, lost financial support, insurance benefits, and other losses. Someone injured in a car accident near Taft may also face significant medical expenses and time away from work. An attorney can review the car accident report and other available evidence and explain what legal options may apply.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by authorities and may change as the investigation continues. Readers seeking additional information about accident-related claims can review frequently asked questions in California.
- The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified two of the deceased as Jose Ivan Martinez Birrueta and Nathan Steve Martinez.
- The Ford Ranger driver also died, but authorities had not released that person’s identity in the initial report.
- Investigators had not determined what caused the head-on collision or whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors.
Victims and families can also review accident resources in California for information that may be helpful after a serious or fatal collision.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers should seek legal counsel regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
If you or your family has been affected by a serious or fatal collision, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights. A California personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances and explain what legal options may be available.