BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 55-year-old man from Bakersfield died Saturday night after being involved in a crash on Highway 99 south of Highway 166, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said around 11 p.m Saturday, officers responded to a crash between a 2007 Mercedes and a tractor/trailer. When they arrived it was determined, for unknown reasons, the driver of the Mercedes pulled to the right shoulder and then abruptly accelerated to the left into the path of the tractor/trailer. The Mercedes stopped in the center median and the tractor/trailer stopped in the number one and two lanes.

Officials pronounced that man dead at the scene while a woman involved in the crash was taken to Kern Medical.

CHP said alcohol does appear to be a factor.

The crash closed down several lanes Saturday night. Traffic resumed operation early Sunday morning.