By Laura Austin News Review Staff Writer–
On April 23, 2023, at approximately 3:27 PM, Mojave CHP Officers, Kern County Fire Fighters, and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Liberty Ambulance, with mutual aid from Kern County Sheriffs Department, responded to a traffic collision report at the intersection of SR-178 and Pinto St. in an unincorporated portion of Kern County.
Based on preliminary investigation, Mr. Dale Layton, 54, and Ms. Diane Layton, 68, both of Salome, AZ., were traveling in a 2006 Chrysler 300 eastbound on SR-178, in the number 1 lane, west of Pinto Street. A 2014 Nissan Versa was traveling westbound on SR-178, approaching the intersection with Pinto St.
/ Laura Austin Photo
The driver, who appeared to be making a left turn onto Pinto St. from westbound SR-178, apparently attempted to make a left turn onto Pinto Street from westbound SR-178, resulting in a broadside collision.
The Layton’s Chrysler overturned south of the south roadway edge of SR-178, east of Pinto Street., coming to rest on its top in the brush off the roadway. Liberty Ambulance personnel and Firefighters rendered medical aid assessing their injuries. Mercy Air Ambulance, out of Loma Linda Trauma Center, was dispatched.
Mr. Dale Layton was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital via Liberty Ambulance. Diane Layton was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital via Mercy Air.
The driver of the Nissan Versa was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased on the scene. His identity will be released through the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
Mojave CHP is asking anyone with information regarding this collision should contact the CHP’s Bishop Communications Center at (760) 872-5900.
As a reminder, motorists are reminded to buckle up.
