BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 12-year-old girl died and three other people were injured after a car struck four pedestrians in southwest Bakersfield on Saturday evening, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
Police said officers responded to the 3800 block of Harris Road near Marin Street at approximately 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Investigators said a man driving a red Hyundai sedan eastbound on Harris Road struck four pedestrians who were walking south within an unmarked crosswalk at the intersection.
The pedestrians included two adults and two children. All four were taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where the 12-year-old girl later died.
Police said the other three pedestrians suffered injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police said it is not yet known whether speed or impairment contributed to the crash.
The girl’s identity will be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
The crash happened along a stretch of Harris Road where residents have repeatedly called for traffic safety improvements.
Bakersfield police previously reported 16 crashes resulting in death or major injuries along Harris Road over a five-year period.
In May, three people were killed in a separate crash along the roadway, renewing concerns about speeding and traffic safety.
A new radar speed sign was recently installed near Harris Road and Summer Springs Drive, east of Saturday’s crash.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.