BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A driver of a car was killed after rear-ending a semi-truck towing double trailers on Highway 43 early Friday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said on Friday, March 6, 2026, at around 4:56 a.m., officers were called to Highway 43 near Orange Street, south of Shafter, for a report of a two-vehicle crash involving a truck tractor and emergency personnel responding.
CHP said a preliminary investigation revealed that a male was driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla southbound on Highway 43, north of Orange Street, at an undetermined rate of speed. A 42-year-old driver from Shafter was driving a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia while towing double trailers southbound on Highway 43, north of Orange Street, at about 15 to 20 miles per hour, directly ahead of the Toyota Corolla.
According to CHP, for reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Toyota was unable to stop and crashed into the rear of the Freightliner. Following the crash, the Toyota sustained major front-end damage and became fully engulfed, with the driver pinned inside.
As a result, the driver of the Toyota died.
At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash, according to CHP.
The northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 43 near Orange Street were closed for about two and a half hours.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area Public Information Officer at 661-396-6600.