Traffic Collision Leaves Horse and Rider Fatally Injured in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Mar. 17 (KNN) — A pickup truck struck a horse which also fatally injured the rider as they traveled on a street in the city of Bakersfield late Saturday night.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. at the intersection of South Sterling Road and Alto Place.

Bakersfield Police Department officers responded to the scene where they located an adult male rider down in the roadway suffering from fatal injuries, according to the Bakersfield PD in a press release of the incident. The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene by Kern County Fire Department personnel.

The horse was also located in the roadway suffering from major injuries.

“Based on the extent of injuries to the horse, its obvious suffering, and the extended response time of a veterinarian, officers determined the most humane course of action was to euthanize the horse at the scene,” stated the Bakersfield PD.

The adult male driver of a pickup truck was traveling southbound in the 1300 block of South Sterling Street when his vehicle collided with the horse which was being ridden in the same direction of travel, according to preliminary information from the investigation. South Sterling Street is a north/south roadway with one lane of travel in each direction where the collision occurred.

Bakersfield PD reported that the driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Alcohol, drugs, or speed do not appear to be factors in the collision.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Alex Rodarte, Video Journalist / KNN