70-year-old woman killed in head-on collision with semi-trailer on Highway 33

BUTTONWILLOW, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 70-year-old woman died Wednesday evening when a tractor-trailer and a Toyota Tundra she was in collided head-on on Highway 33 near Buttonwillow Monday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said.

At approximately 3:40 p.m., CHP received a report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 33 near Soda Lake Road.

Officers found a 24-year-old Bakersfield man driving a semi-trailer south on Highway 33.

CHP said for reasons still under investigation, the driver of the semi-truck veered onto the northbound lane of Highway 33 and collided head-on with a Toyota Tundra. A 70-year-old woman in the passenger seat died at the scene. Her identity will be determined at a later date by the Kern County Coroner's Office.

The 72-year-old driver of the Toyota truck suffered serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to Kern Medical Center. His condition is unknown.

The driver of the semi-trailer suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The accident resulted in Highway 33 being closed for several hours.

Drugs and/or alcohol did not appear to play a role in the accident, officials said.

Witnesses with information are asked to call the Buttonwillow Area CHP at (661) 764-5580.