BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man died after a crash on Highway 99 in Bakersfield early Sunday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at around 1:58 a.m., officers were called to northbound Highway 99 at Hosking Avenue for a report of a two-vehicle traffic crash.
CHP said a preliminary investigation determined an unknown male driver was operating a 2015 black Honda Civic northbound on Highway 99 in the number three lane at a high rate of speed.
A 34-year-old man from Delano was operating a 2019 Peterbilt semi-truck directly in front of the Honda in the number three lane at approximately 55 miles per hour. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda overtook the Peterbilt semi-truck and collided with the rear of the Peterbilt’s semi-trailer.
CHP said the impact caused the Honda to travel in a northeasterly direction before coming to rest on the right shoulder of northbound Highway 99 underneath the Hosking Avenue overpass.
The driver of the Peterbilt pulled onto the right shoulder of northbound Highway 99, north of Hosking Avenue, and waited for CHP and emergency personnel to arrive.
The driver of the Honda sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
The driver of the Peterbilt was transported to Kern Medical with minor injuries and is cooperating with the investigation.
At the time of the crash, weather conditions were clear. It is currently unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call CHP Bakersfield at 661-396-6600.