Laton, CA (March 19, 2026) – Two people lost their lives, and another person was injured following a three-vehicle crash late on Wednesday night near Laton in Kings County.
The collision occurred around 11 p.m. on March 18 along 12 ½ Ave south of Douglas Ave. Emergency units were dispatched to the scene after reports of a serious multi-vehicle crash involving a sedan and two other vehicles.
Preliminary information indicates a man driving a 2022 Dodge Charger was traveling northbound in the southbound lane of 12 ½ Ave at a high rate of speed. At the same time, a man driving a 2017 GMC Sierra was heading northbound in the proper lane, while a woman driving a 2012 Mitsubishi Galant was traveling southbound toward the Dodge.
Investigators say the Dodge driver noticed the Mitsubishi approaching head-on and turned right, moving into the path of the GMC. The right side of the Dodge struck the left side of the GMC before the Dodge also collided with the left side of the Mitsubishi.
The force of the impact sent both the Dodge and the GMC into a nearby dirt field. The GMC overturned during the crash, ejecting the driver and two passengers from the vehicle.
The driver of the GMC and one passenger died as a result of the crash. A second passenger from the GMC was taken to Community Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries. The drivers of the Dodge and the Mitsubishi were treated at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Wrong-Way Driving Can Lead to Severe Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Wrong-way driving incidents occur when a vehicle travels against the normal direction of traffic on a roadway. These situations often lead to sudden, dangerous encounters with oncoming vehicles traveling at normal speeds.
Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of crashes because the forces of both vehicles combine at impact. Even when a driver attempts to avoid an approaching vehicle, quick maneuvers can lead to additional collisions with nearby traffic.
High speeds can further increase the danger during these incidents. Vehicles traveling quickly have less time to react, and the resulting impacts often cause vehicles to spin, overturn, or leave the roadway.
Multi-vehicle crashes may also involve secondary impacts after the initial collision. When cars are pushed into other lanes or off the roadway, they may strike other vehicles or objects, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
