Driver killed in foggy morning collision

On a foggy Saturday morning, a high-speed crash between a pickup truck and a tractor on Kimberlina Road resulted in the death of the truck's driver, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred about 7:30 a.m. in dense fog that severely reduced visibility. The CHP officials reported that a GMC Sierra pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Kimberlina Road at an unsafe speed, given the conditions. A John Deere tractor pulling an implement of husbandry in tandem was crossing the road southbound at the same time. The driver of the GMC was unable to slow down or stop in time, crashing into the right side of the tractor's implement.

Emergency responders from the Kern County Fire Department extricated the driver from the damaged vehicle and transported them to Kern Medical Hospital in Bakersfield. Despite their efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the hospital. The deceased’s name was not released.

The operator of the tractor was unharmed and was said to be cooperating with the investigation. Authorities still are determining whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.