Lamont teen dies after car crashes into canal near Cottonwood Rd

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Lamont teenager is dead after his car crashed into a canal in south Bakersfield early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said the Toyota was traveling southbound on Cottonwood Road, when the 16-year-old driver, for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway. The car crashed into the canal and became submerged under water just before 1:30 a.m.

The teen sustained major injuries during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers of the Toyota were able to get our of the submerged car and waited for CHP to arrive.

An 18-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries during the crash.

Officials are still investigating if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

The coroner’s office will release the teen’s identity at a later time.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to call CHP at 661-396-6600.

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