A 62-year-old man died Saturday night after his vehicle crashed into a canal on Herring Road, south of Bakersfield.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the incident occurred around 5:53 p.m. on January 17, 2026. The man, the sole occupant, was driving a 2008 Toyota Prius westbound in heavy fog when, for reasons still under investigation, the car crossed the eastbound lane and onto the dirt shoulder of the road.
The vehicle continued in a southwesterly direction and overturned in a water-filled canal. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHP said it is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bakersfield CHP at (661) 396-6600