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1300+A driver died Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck left the roadway on Highway 99 in Bakersfield, struck a tree, and burst into flames.
How the Crash Happened
The California Highway Patrol responded to southbound Highway 99, north of Houghton Road, at approximately 12:02 p.m. on September 16, 2026. Officers were called out for a solo-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck.
According to CHP’s preliminary investigation, the driver of a 2011 Dodge Ram was traveling southbound on Highway 99 north of Houghton Road. The lane the driver was in and the speed of the truck at the time of the crash are still unknown.
For reasons that remain under investigation, the driver allowed the Dodge to drift onto the right dirt shoulder. The truck then collided with a tree.
Truck Caught Fire With Driver Trapped Inside
The impact caused the Dodge to become fully engulfed in flames, with the driver pinned inside the vehicle. The driver suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP confirmed the driver was the only occupant in the truck.
Highway Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The number three lane of southbound Highway 99, north of Houghton Road, was closed while CHP units completed their investigation. The lane was expected to reopen by around 4 p.m. the same day.
CHP has not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the CHP Bakersfield Area office at (661) 396-6600.
Injured in a Bakersfield Car Accident? Attorney Jeff Can Help
Single-vehicle crashes like this one raise difficult questions about road conditions, vehicle defects, and driver impairment.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost someone in a car accident in Kern County, the car accident attorneys from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are available to review your case and explain your legal options.
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About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.