In a tragic accident involving the Kern High School District school bus in Bakersfield, the California Highway Patrol reported that one person was killed, and three others had been injured. The crash occurred on Mount Vernon Avenue, south of Belle Terrace in Bakersfield, on August 24, 2023, at approximately 6:33 p.m. Patrol officers also added that the school bus was headed northbound on Mount Vernon Avenue, while a Toyota Sienna was traveling southbound.
The Sienna drifted directly into the path of the school bus, resulting in the death of its 48-year-old driver, whose name was not revealed by the coroner’s office. However, the deceased has been identified as hailing from Lamont.
The school bus was transporting the Golden Valley High School Varsity Football team to a game against East High School. There were 38 students reported to be on the bus. Three on the bus suffered minor to moderate injuries. The injured include the driver of the KHSD bus, 37-year-old Sherrie Ortiz. The wounded were taken to Kern Medical Hospital for treatment.
Footage from the scene of the accident showed the Sienna appear to be dark-colored with serious damage inflicted to the front and the driver’s side of the vehicle. The footage also showed damages to the front of the bus, along with broken windshields.
Officials closed the intersection at East Belle Terrace for northbound and southbound traffic, as well as Mt. Vernon Avenue at Planz Road.
The school, KHSD, said in a statement that it extended its condolences to the individuals and families affected. It also added that during this difficult time, its top goal was the well-being of its children and employees.
The children on the bus and their parents have commended Sherrie Ortiz who gave her all to keep the students safe from harm, praising her professionalism at a time of peril.
Meanwhile, Bibi Carrasco, the East High coach, confirmed that the football game between Golden Valley High School and East High School stands canceled as a result of the crash.
The California Highway Patrol requested anyone with information about the crash to call 661-396-6600.
