BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A person died after a solo-vehicle crash on Highway 178 near Ridgecrest Sunday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at around 11:06 a.m., officers were called to a reported solo-vehicle crash on Highway 178, east of Jacks Ranch Road.
CHP said a person, identified as a male, was driving a 2002 Toyota 4 Runner while hauling a trailer, westbound Highway 178, east of Jacks Ranch Road, at an unknown speed.
According to CHP, for unknown reasons, the driver made an unsafe turning movement to the right, causing the Toyota to leave the roadway and travel onto the dirt shoulder. The Toyota subsequently crashed into a power pole.
The driver died.
CHP is asking that if you witnessed this crash, to call Officer Hayes at the CHP Mojave Area office at (661) 823 5500, or CHPMojaveTips@chp.ca.gov.