BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A deadly crash claimed the lives of three people in Southwest Bakersfield on Thursday evening.
The collision happened around 6:45 p.m. at the intersection of Harris Road and Summer Springs Drive, an intersection with stop signs on all four corners.
Police said a Ford SUV and a Honda sedan were stopped eastbound on Harris Road when a Toyota SUV slammed into the Ford at a high rate of speed. The violent impact sent the Ford crashing into the Honda.
A married couple in the Ford, identified as 49-year-old Omar Zacarias and 51-year-old Sylvia Reyes, did not survive. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, just half a block from their home.
The driver of the Toyota was identified as 34-year-old Sandra Lee Slaydon. Two others in the Honda sedan complained of pain.
Neighbors told 23ABC the deceased couple leaves behind a 23-year-old son.
"I was lost for words because I know the actual neighbor who had got in the car accident and we didn't know how bad it was until we tried to see if anyone had a post, you know. And unfortunately, none of them made it and we all we could do is stick by their son's side to see if we could do something for him, you know in a time of need," Evelyn Delgado said.
Neighbors said the intersection has been the site of numerous serious crashes. Residents have been pleading with the city for years to make safety improvements, hoping this tragedy sparks real change before another life is lost.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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