According to the California Highway Patrol, 44-year-old Yadira Gonzalez was killed in a crash on Highway 155 and Zerker Road near Delano Wednesday morning.
A Honda Civic driven by 26-year-old Reane Demery was traveling westbound on Highway 155 at approximately 5:30 a.m. when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with Gonzalez's Chevrolet Cruz. The CHP reported that the crash was so violent "the engine from the Honda Civic was propelled into a nearby almond orchard."
The drivers of both vehicles were airlifted to Kern Medical Hospital in Bakersfield with major injuries, where the Gonzalez was later pronounced dead.
The CHP stated that Demery was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest for felony DUI.
Highway 155 was closed for approximately four hours for on-scene investigation and cleanup.
