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1300+BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has released the names of the three men who died in a head-on collision on Copus Road last month.
The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Jacobo Yesca Paz, 54-year-old Pablo Galindo Quiahua, and 35-year-old Raul Velasco Torres. All three men were residents of Taft.
How the Crash Happened
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on August 28, 2026, at approximately 5:22 a.m. on Copus Road, west of Old River Road.
CHP’s preliminary investigation found that Yesca Paz was driving a 2003 Nissan Sentra eastbound on Copus Road. At the same time, a 60-year-old Bakersfield man was driving a 2005 Honda Odyssey westbound on the same road, approaching the Nissan.
For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the Honda.
Victims and Injuries
Yesca Paz and his two passengers, Galindo Quiahua and Velasco Torres, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional passengers riding in the Nissan suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The driver and passenger of the Honda Odyssey also sustained minor to moderate injuries.
CHP has not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. That aspect of the investigation remains open.
Investigation Ongoing
Copus Road was closed in both directions while CHP investigated the scene. No further details have been released about how or why the Nissan drifted into oncoming traffic, and CHP has not announced any citations or charges related to the crash.
Injured in a Head-On Crash in Kern County?
Head-on collisions are among the most catastrophic types of crashes, often causing severe or fatal injuries to everyone involved.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident in or near Kern County, the Bakersfield car accident attorneys from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our law offices today for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.