BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two children died after a crash on the northbound Interstate 5 in Lebec on Christmas Day. CHP said the driver of the vehicle, in which the children were in, was arrested.
The California Highway Patrol said on December 25, 2025, at around 2:56 p.m., officers were called to a report of a multiple vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 5, south of Vista Del Lago Road.
As officers responded, additional calls came in advising that two children were receiving CPR on scene.
According to CHP, upon arriving, it was determined that a gold Toyota Rav4 was stopped in the center median waiting with a family member. A blue Nissan Rouge, occupied by two adults and six children, was traveling northbound I-5, south of Vista Del Lago Road and approaching the Toyota Rav4 when, for an unknown reason, the driver lost control, according to CHP.
The Nissan subsequently crashed into the back of the Toyota, resulting in three children being ejected from the Nissan.
CHP said that despite life-saving measures, two minors died from their injuries at the scene.
The driver, Jorge Preciado, was arrested on scene for felony child endangerment and was booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Santa Clarita without further incident.
CHP said the cause of this crash is still under investigation.
“Today’s loss of two young lives is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this tragedy. This is an important reminder that child safety seats are of utmost importance in providing safety on the roadway,” said Captain Purvis of the California Highway Patrol.