Early Friday, officers of the Bakersfield Police Department were dispatched to a single vehicle crash on Old River Road. When officers arrived, they discovered a 2014 BMW sedan fully engulfed in flames which prevented them from making access inside the vehicle.
Both Kern County and Bakersfield Fire personnel extinguished the fire and located the driver, an adult man deceased inside.
According to officials, there were no additional occupants said.
Witnesses told police that at the time of the collision the BMW may have been involved in an illegal street race with an unidentified suspect on a motorcycle. Officials say that the motorcyclist fled at the time of the collision and that investigators are working to identify the motorcyclist and determine if a street race occurred.
There are no additional details regarding the motorcyclist at this time.
It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs are factors in the collision. Speed however is considered to be a factor. The cause is currently under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to call BPD at (661) 327-7111.
