Bakersfield, CA — On the afternoon of Sunday, October 4, 2026, a girl riding an electronic scooter was fatally struck while traversing a marked crosswalk, according to KBAK, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol stated that the accident took place around 4:21 PM at Airport Drive and El Tejon Avenue near Meadows Field Airport in the Oildale area.
According to initial investigations, a 34-year-old man in a champagne-colored 2007 Kia Rio was travelling northbound on Airport Drive at an undetermined speed, while a girl on an electric scooter was crossing at El Tejon Avenue in a marked crosswalk.
Even though the crosswalk had been equipped with proper signage and warning lights, the Kia driver failed to yield. The front of the Kia struck the young pedestrian, resulting in severe injuries. Emergency medical responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
The name and age of the girl who lost her life have not been released at this time.
The Kia driver reportedly remained at the crash site and is cooperating with authorities. No criminal charges have been made at this time, and investigators do not suspect driver intoxication played a role in this fatal accident.
This is an ongoing investigation, and CHP asks any witnesses who may have information regarding the crash to come forward.
Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law treats electric scooter riders who are crossing the road on foot as pedestrians and expects drivers to exercise the same duty of care toward them that it does for other pedestrians. Drivers are required to stay alert for pedestrians near California roadways, make all reasonable efforts to avoid a collision, and if one occurs, to stay with the victim, assist them in finding medical attention, and cooperate with law enforcement.
Even if the driver involved faces no criminal charges, the family of the girl who lost her life may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim with the driver’s insurance provider. While no amount of money can replace a person who is taken from us in a pedestrian collision, the costs associated with their passing should not fall upon their families when another person’s negligence is at fault. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral costs, their surviving family’s pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident similar to the one described here at Airport Drive and El Tejon Avenue near Meadows Field Airport, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
