Bakersfield, CA – Fatal Semi-Truck & SUV Collision Closes Southbound I-5 Near Valpredo

Bakersfield, CA (September 17, 2025) – A fatal collision occurred early this morning on the southbound I-5 freeway near Valpredo, involving a yellow semi-truck with double trailers and a black SUV.

The crash, reported at approximately 2:49 a.m., resulted in one fatality with the victim confirmed pinned in the vehicle. Due to hazardous materials carried by the semi-truck, a hard closure of the freeway was requested while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigates the cause.

Incident Details and Aftermath

1. Vehicles Involved: A yellow semi-truck with double trailers, hauling hazardous materials, collided with a black SUV, causing significant damage.
2. Tragic Outcome: The collision resulted in one fatality; the victim was found pinned in the vehicle. The body was recovered shortly after 3:45 a.m.
3. Emergency Response: Emergency responders, including the Kern County Coroner’s Office, were dispatched to the scene.
4. Freeway Impact: The accident prompted a hard closure of the freeway due to the hazardous materials involved.
5. Wreckage Removal: Multiple tow trucks, including Precision Towing and Golden Empire Towing, were requested by CHP to remove the wreckage.
6. Ongoing Investigation: The cause of the crash remains under investigation by CHP.