Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Thursday, October 2, 2025, a two-vehicle collision claimed the life of Zacarias Ecahua Chipahua, 26, and left two others injured, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 5:18 AM at the intersection of South H Street and Houghton Road.
According to investigators, a 33-year-old man driving a 2011 Chevrolet Impala had stopped at the posted stop sign on westbound Houghton Road before beginning a southbound turn onto South H Street.
At that same moment, a white 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by an unidentified man, was traveling eastbound on Houghton Road at an unknown speed.
Authorities said evidence indicates the Silverado driver failed to stop at the posted sign and continued into the intersection, striking the right side of the Impala.
The force of the impact caused significant damage to the Impala and left Chipahua, who was seated in the front passenger seat, fatally injured at the scene. The Impala’s driver sustained minor injuries, while a 45-year-old passenger suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Kern Medical for treatment.
Following the crash, the driver of the Silverado fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction and has not yet been located. CHP investigators said it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect and have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the Bakersfield Area California Highway Patrol office.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
Stop Sign Laws
California Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450). Drivers may only enter the intersection when it appears safe for all parties to do so (California Vehicle Code 21802).
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
