BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — An early-morning traffic collision in Bakersfield killed two people and critically injured two others on Sunday morning, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
The collision happened just after 2 a.m. at the intersection of Union Ave. and Brundage Ln., closing traffic at the intersection.
BPD says three vehicles were involved. Sergeant Chance Koerner said one vehicle rear-ended another vehicle stopped at the stoplight. When those two vehicles rolled into the intersection, a third vehicle collided with one of the cars. Two people were pronounced dead on scene, and another two were transported to Kern Medical and are in critical condition, according to police.
BPD says the driver of the vehicle who appears to be at fault is identified as a 35-year-old man who was under the influence. Koerner shared some tips about driving safe at night, even if you are driving responsibly.
“Just like when you cross the street as a pedestrian on a roadway with your head on a swivel, constantly looking. You need to be that way when you’re driving. Those vehicles that are coming at you, 30, 50, 60, 80 miles per hour from behind while you're stopped at a light, be aware of those vehicles coming up on you quick. And be prepared to get out of the way," he said.
The man responsible for the crash is being charged with two counts of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and two counts of Driving Under the Influence Causing Serious Bodily Injury, BPD said.
As of 5:30 a.m., BPD said they expected traffic to be closed at the intersection for 2-3 more hours. Anyone with information about the collision can call BPD at 327-7111.
