BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 24-year-old man has been identified as the victim of a deadly crash that occurred on Interstate 5 in Kern County earlier this week. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the man killed in the collision was Jorge Vidal Aguirre-Munguia, a resident whose life was cut short in the tragic incident.
The crash was reported shortly after noon on September 15, 2025, prompting an immediate response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The accident took place on the northbound lanes of Interstate 5, just north of Rowlee Road, an area that often sees heavy traffic.
According to CHP investigators, Aguirre-Munguia was behind the wheel of a 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck, traveling northbound at the time of the collision. Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man from La Puente, California, was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla southbound on the same stretch of highway. For reasons that remain unclear, the Toyota’s driver reportedly veered sharply to the left, leaving the southbound lanes. The vehicle crossed into the dirt median before entering the northbound side of the interstate, directly into the path of Aguirre-Munguia’s pickup.
The collision proved unavoidable. The Toyota collided head-on with the front left side of the Ram pickup, resulting in catastrophic damage. Following the impact, the Toyota continued moving in a southeasterly direction until it finally came to a stop on the dirt shoulder to the east of the roadway.
Tragically, Aguirre-Munguia did not survive the crash. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene before he could be transported to a hospital. The driver of the Toyota, however, sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Kern Medical for treatment. Authorities have not released his name but did confirm that his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The California Highway Patrol stated in their preliminary report that drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the collision. However, investigators are still working to determine why the Toyota’s driver lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic. CHP officers continue to gather evidence and witness statements in an effort to piece together the moments leading up to the crash.
The fatal wreck underscores the dangers of head-on collisions on major highways, where even a brief moment of error can have deadly consequences. Interstate 5, which stretches the length of California, is one of the state’s busiest roadways and is frequently the site of serious crashes due to its heavy traffic and high speeds.
Officials have not released any additional information regarding Aguirre-Munguia’s background, but news of his death has left family, friends, and the local community in mourning. As the investigation continues, CHP is urging drivers to remain alert, cautious, and attentive while traveling on high-speed interstates to help prevent future tragedies.
The crash remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact the CHP’s Bakersfield area office.
