BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 68-year-old Bakersfield man died, and another man was hurt after a crash Thursday morning at Panama Road and Tejon Highway.
The California Highway Patrol said on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at around 4:48 a.m., officers were called to Panama Road and Tejon Highway for a report of a two-vehicle crash.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that a 68-year-old Bakersfield man was driving a 2001 Honda Civic eastbound on Panama Road, west of Tejon Highway, at an unknown rate of speed. At the same time, a 64-year-old McFarland man was driving a 2007 Toyota Tacoma southbound on Tejon Highway at about 60 mph.
According to CHP, at this location, eastbound and westbound traffic on Panama Road is controlled by stop signs, while northbound and southbound traffic on Tejon Highway is not.
For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Honda continued eastbound through the intersection and collided with the Toyota. As a result of the crash, the driver of the Honda sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was taken to Kern Medical.
The roadway remained closed for about 90 minutes while the investigation was conducted.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were factors in this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the CHP Bakersfield Area at (661) 396-6600.