One person killed in fiery crash near Cholame “Y”

One person is dead following a fiery crash involving a big rig near the infamous Cholame “Y” near Kern County.

According to California Highway Patrol, a Ford Mustang was heading northbound on Highway 41 about a mile south of Kern County just before 5:00 p.m. Monday when the driver drifted into the southbound lanes of traffic into the path of a big rig pulling two semi-trailers.

The driver of the big rig was unable to avoid the collision and collided with the Mustang. The impact caused the big rig to jack-knife and resulted in major damage to both vehicles which both became fully engulfed in fire.

The driver of the big rig was able to remove himself from the tractor without injury. The driver of the Mustang died as a result of the accident, CHP said.

The fiery crash ignited a brush fire but was quickly extinguished by fire personnel.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The identity of the deceased has not been released. Neither alcohol or drugs are believed to be a factor.

State Route 41 remained closed for several hours while authorities cleared the scene.