Kern County, CA — According to KBAK, the Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 46-year-old Keith Lee Mulkey of Lake Isabella as the driver who lost his life on July 24, 2024, in a rollover crash that ignited the devastating Borel Fire.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that, at approximately 12:52 PM, Mulkey was driving a 1993 Chevy on Highway 178, west of Democrat Road, when he lost control of his vehicle. The truck veered off the road and overturned down an embankment. Mulkey was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash was severe enough that the vehicle caught fire upon impact. This fire quickly spread to the surrounding brush, igniting what would become known as the Borel Fire. The blaze ultimately consumed 59,288 acres of land in the area, a region known for its rugged beauty and proximity to the Sequoia National Forest. The fire, which took weeks to contain, also prompted several evacuation orders and warnings for local residents.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, with CHP looking into whether alcohol or drugs may have been a factor.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.
After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.
