BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Bakersfield firefighters worked tirelessly to contain a fire that broke out along Highway 178, prompting the closure of the canyon on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 24.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a man from Lake Isabella was driving a Chevrolet eastbound on Highway 178 when he lost control of the vehicle for reasons still under investigation.
The Chevrolet veered off the north side of the road, descended an embankment, overturned, and caught fire shortly before 1 p.m.
The 46-year-old man was ejected from the vehicle during the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
According to CHP reports, the flames caused by the accident quickly spread across the hillside and moved westward.
Caltrans has reported that traffic in the canyon is closed from Kern Canyon Road in Bakersfield to Democrat Springs. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes.
Fire officials report that the fire on Highway 178 has burned a total of 1,681 acres as of this writing.
Any witnesses with information about the accident are urged to contact the CHP at 661-396-6600.
