BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A driver died after a truck struck a tree and caught on fire on Highway 99 Wednesday afternoon.
The California Highway Patrol said on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at around 12:02 p.m., officers were called to southbound Highway 99, north of Houghton Road for a report of a solo-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that an unknown person was driving a 2011 Dodge Ram southbound on Highway 99, north of Houghton Road, within an unknown lane, at an unknown rate of speed.
For reasons still under investigation, the driver allowed the Dodge to veer to the right onto the dirt shoulder and ultimately collided with a tree, according to CHP.
Due to the crash, the Dodge became fully engulfed in flames with the driver pinned inside.
CHP said as a result of this crash, the driver sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
At least one person is dead after a truck struck a tree and caught on fire on Highway 99 Wednesday afternoon. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
The driver was the sole occupant in the vehicle.
The number three lane of southbound Highway 99, north of Houghton Road, remains closed as units complete the investigation and is expected to reopen by around 4 p.m.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.
Anyone with any additional information regarding this crash is asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area office at (661) 396-6600.