KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A tragic wrong-way crash involving three cars on Sunday morning in Kings County resulted in the death of a 24-year-old driver.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just before 2 a.m. on Highway 198. David Barajas, 37, was driving a Ford F-250 in the No.1 lane heading eastbound, while Steven Mahoney, 63, was driving a Kia Soul in the No. 2 lane. Simultaneously, an unidentified 24-year-old man was driving a Toyota Corolla in the wrong direction towards Barajas and Mahoney.

Tragedy struck when the driver of the Toyota collided head-on with Barajas, causing his vehicle to burst into flames. Sadly, the 24-year-old driver of the Toyota Corolla lost his life at the scene.

The impact of the crash caused Barajas's Ford to overturn and come to a rest in front of Mahoney's Kia, resulting in yet another collision.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene and attended to the injured parties. Barajas was airlifted to the hospital, while his two passengers, whose identities remain undisclosed, were transported by ambulance. Their conditions are currently unknown. Mahoney and his passenger sustained minor injuries and were also taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the wrong-way driving and the tragic collision. It is yet to be determined whether alcohol or other factors played a role in this devastating incident.

The California Highway Patrol urges all motorists to remain alert and vigilant on the roads, following traffic laws, and to report any suspected instances of erratic driving to the emergency hotline.

As the community mourns the loss of the 24-year-old driver, our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of all those affected by this heartbreaking accident.