CHP: 67-year-old Jose Garcia-Cerron, died following crash south of Bakersfield Tuesday

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol said a 67-year-old Jose Garcia-Cerron, who died in a crash Tuesday morning was not wearing a seatbelt when the collision happened.

According the CHP, the crash happened just before 5:45 a.m. in the intersection at South Fairfax Road and East Bear Mountain Boulevard.

CHP said the driver of a 2007 Dodge Caliber was heading southbound on S. Fairfax Road and preparing to enter Highway 223. A second driver in a 2002 Chevy Suburban was heading westbound on Hwy. 223 approaching S. Fairfax.

According to CHP, the Dodge accelerated into the intersection and failed to the see the Chevy. The Chevy swerved to avoid Dodge but was struck on the right side.

CHP reported Garcia-Cerron was on the passenger side of the Chevy as it overturned and landed on the right dirt shoulder.

Seven other occupants of the vehicles were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries.