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Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash in Downtown Bakersfield
16 Jun
Summary
- A 24-year-old man died after a wrong-way collision early Saturday morning.
- The crash occurred in the 2300 block of 24th Street in Bakersfield.
- Driver impairment is suspected as a factor in the fatal incident.
A devastating head-on collision in downtown Bakersfield early Saturday morning resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man. Steven Rene Bernal was pronounced deceased at Kern Medical following the 1:04 a.m. incident at 24th and Alder streets.
Bakersfield Police Department officers arriving at the scene discovered two vehicles with severe damage. Their initial investigation indicates that Bernal was traveling the wrong way on 24th Street at high speed and without his lights illuminated. This led to the catastrophic impact with another vehicle.
Authorities have stated that driver impairment appears to be a significant factor in the crash. The driver of the second vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are seeking information from the public.
