3 Killed, 3 Injured in Bakersfield Crash on Highway 99, 7th Standard Road

Mother, Teenage Daughters Killed in Violent Crash

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2026) — Three people are dead after a fiery three-vehicle crash involving a wrong-way driver early Sunday on Highway 99 near 7th Standard Road in Bakersfield.

According to the California Highway Patrol dispatch log it happened around 12:44 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Police responded to the head-on crash on southbound Highway 99, just north of 7th Standard Road, between the drivers of a white Honda Accord, a white BMW 530i, and a white Chevrolet Colorado. It’s unknown at this time which one of the vehicles caused the collision.

The Honda became engulfed in flames upon impact, and all three occupants died in the collision, police said. The driver of the Honda was a mother, Vanessa Schoettler, who was returning home from a concert in Fresno with her two daughters, Kloie and Kylie. They were celebrating Kloie’s upcoming 17th birthday, according to a GoFundMe organized to support the family and memorialize the victims.

Meanwhile, the 44-year-old man driving the BMW was hospitalized with severe injuries, and the two people in the Chevrolet were taken to the hospital with minor injuries following the crash.

At this time, it’s unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash.

Finally, witnesses are asked to contact the CHP Bakersfield at (661)396-6600.

Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538

When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).