A Freightliner tow truck driver was killed, and two other drivers were hospitalized during a multi-vehicle incident on Highway 58 early Friday morning. Highway 58 has reopened between Superior Road and Nord Avenue after approximately 11 hours.
According to the California Highway Patrol, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at around 12:38 a.m., officers were dispatched to Highway 58, west of Driver Road, for a report of a multiple vehicle traffic crash with one car fully engulfed in flames.
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that a 2018 Freightliner pulling an enclosed semi-trailer was heading westbound on Highway 58, west of Driver Road, at a speed of 52 to 55 mph. A 2021 Freightliner tow truck was driving westbound on Highway 58, west of Driver Road, at an unknown speed, with a 2003 Honda Odyssey van closely following.
According to CHP, for reasons that are still being investigated, the driver of the 2018 Freightliner crossed the center line into the eastbound lane, causing the front end of the 2018 Freightliner to crash with the front end of the 2021 Freightliner.
As a result, the 2018 Freightliner and semi-trailer spun out of control in a westerly direction, colliding with the front of the 2003 Honda Odyssey van.
The driver of the 2021 Freightliner tow truck has killed. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified him as Raul Inguanzo Jr., 39, of Bakersfield.
The driver of the 2018 Freightliner and the driver of the 2003 Honda Odyssey van were both transported to Kern Medical with serious injuries.
The 2018 Freightliner and semi-trailer sped out of control, colliding with a power post and catching fire. This resulted in a small brush fire in the vicinity.
According to the CHP, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were involved in this incident. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information concerning the crash should contact the California Highway Patrol Bakersfield Area office at (661)396-6600.
Reference: One dead, two hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash on Highway 58, roads closed