By LAURA AUSTIN News Review Staff Writer–
On Monday, January 8, at approximately 8:30 AM, a Ridgecrest Police Department Police officer encountered a head-on traffic collision on Redrock Randsburg Road, west of Garlock Road. The officer contacted authorities, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Mojave Area, Kern County Fire Department, and Liberty Ambulance were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, rescuers found Carolin Smith, a 53-year-old California City, CA resident, driving a white Mercedes westbound on Redrock Randsburg Road. An unidentified 53-year-old female, out of Topeka, KS, was driving a white Hyundai eastbound on Redrock Randsburg Road. As they approached each other, a head-on traffic collision occurred. The unidentified driver of the Mercedes succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, and an unidentified 53-year-old male also of California City, a passenger in the Hyundai, was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital with major injuries. Carolin Smith was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital also with major injuries.
Driver impairment is not suspected of contributing to this collision at this time. The descendant’s name can be found by contacting the Kern County Coroner’s Office. CHP requests that if you witnessed this crash, please get in touch with Officer Pousson at the CHP Mojave Area office at (661) 823-5500.
The California Highway Patrol wants to remind everyone to wear their seatbelt and drive responsibly. Follow speed limits, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and only pass when legal and safe.
