DELANO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — One person died and several others were taken to the hospital after a crash on Highway 99 at Ninth Avenue on Saturday night. The crash happened due to a wrong way driver who was possibly under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.
At least four vehicles were involved in a crash that caused standstill traffic for southbound lanes of Highway 99 in the Delano area on Saturday night. This is a photo of one of the involved vehicles. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Officers were called to Hwy. 99 at Ninth Ave. for a report of a crash involving multiple vehicles and a wrong way driver around 9:17 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Traffic came to a standstill overnight along Hwy. 99, near 11th Ave. as officers conducted their investigation.
At least four vehicles were involved in a crash that caused standstill traffic for southbound lanes of Highway 99 in the Delano area on Saturday night. This is a photo of the standstill traffic. PHOTO: Caltrans
A preliminary investigation found a 28-year-old man was driving a Tesla northbound in the southbound lanes of Hwy. 99.
A 49-year-old woman was driving a Nissan southbound. A 23-year-old woman was driving a Dodge Charger southbound, behind the Nissan.
For unknown reasons, the Tesla continued to drive the wrong way, directly into the path of the Nissan. The Tesla eventually collided with the Nissan.
Due to the crash between the Tesla and the Nissan, the Dodge continued southbound when the front of the Dodge crashed into the Nissan.
Officials said a passenger in the Nissan was found dead at the scene. The driver and an additional passenger in the Nissan suffered major injuries and were taken to the hospital.
One person inside the Dodge suffered minor injuries.
Officials said it appears alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.
At least four vehicles were involved in a crash that caused standstill traffic for southbound lanes of Highway 99 in the Delano area on Saturday night. This is a photo of CHP investigating the incident on Saturday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Anyone with information on the crash or can help identify the suspect vehicle is asked to contact CHP Bakersfield at (661) 396-6600.