Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision resulting from a high-speed rear-end impact caused three fatalities, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 6:45 PM at the intersection of Harris Road and Summer Springs Drive.
Authorities said three vehicles, a silver Toyota SUV, a silver Ford SUV, and a silver Honda sedan, were all traveling eastbound on Harris Road when the driver of the Toyota struck the rear of the Ford at a high rate of speed at the intersection of Summer Springs Drive.
The force of the impact caused a secondary collision with the Honda. The crash occurred on a two-lane road in each direction with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour, separated by double yellow lines.
A man and a woman inside the Ford were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. Two male occupants of the Honda reported complaints of pain and were attended to at the scene.
The identities of those killed were to be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office at a later time. Investigators have not determined whether the driver of the Toyota was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claim
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.
