A Kern County resident was killed in the fatal crash on Highway 166 Wednesday morning between a passenger vehicle and a big-rig, the California Highway Patrol said in an update. 

Around 6:10 a.m., the Tehachapi driver of a Nissan passenger vehicle was traveling eastbound and crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic, Santa Maria CHP Officer Maria Barriga said. 

They collided head-on with a commercial big-rig and emergency responders declared the Nissan driver dead at the scene, she said. 

The big-rig driver was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of injuries, the CHP said. 

The head-on collision was reported east of Pine Canyon Road and Tepusquet Road. 

Barriga said the collision is still under investigation, including the reason the Nissan crossed into the westbound lanes and whether impairment was a factor. 

The deceased driver’s name was not disclosed, pending notification of next of kin. 

The crash and emergency response blocked all lanes of the highway for several hours Wednesday morning. Highway 166 connects Santa Maria to New Cuyama and Kern County.

“We are saddened that a life was lost tragically in this crash. State Route 166 is a roadway that requires drivers to remain attentive and strictly obey traffic laws,” CHP Lt. Joseph Rodriguez said in a statement Friday.

“Crossing over solid double yellow lines is extremely dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. We urge all motorists to exercise caution and remain focused while driving.”