BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 29-year-old Bakersfield man died after CHP says he ran a stop sign and collided with a semi-truck’s trailer at Bear Mountain Boulevard early Friday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said on Friday, October 23, 2026, at around 3:07 a.m., officers were called to the intersection of Bear Mountain Boulevard and Old River Road regarding a reported two-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that a 29-year-old Bakersfield man was driving a 2025 Mercedes-Benz sedan northbound on Old River Road, south of Bear Mountain Boulevard, at an unknown rate of speed. At the same time, a 40-year-old Bakersfield man was driving a 2018 Freightliner, pulling a single trailer, westbound on Bear Mountain Boulevard after coming to a stop at the stop sign at Old River Road.
CHP said at the intersection, eastbound and westbound traffic on Bear Mountain Boulevard, as well as northbound and southbound traffic on Old River Road, is controlled by stop signs.
According to CHP, for reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz continued northbound into the intersection and collided with the Freightliner’s trailer.
As a result of the crash, the driver and sole occupant of the Mercedes-Benz sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Freightliner was not hurt.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors in this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area office at (661) 396-6600.