A 59-vehicle pileup on California’s Highway 99 in Tulare County injured at least 10 people on Saturday morning. The crash, which occurred around 8:15 a.m., closed both northbound and southbound lanes for approximately six hours due to dense fog reducing visibility to 100–200 feet.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Visalia confirmed that 59 vehicles were involved in the crash near Avenue 24, just north of Bakersfield. Injuries ranged from minor to moderate, with one person sustaining a moderate forehead injury. The highway reopened midafternoon after emergency crews cleared debris and redirected traffic.
Deeper Dive & Context
Cause and Conditions
Dense fog was the primary factor in the crash, according to CHP Officer Adrian Gonzalez. Drivers reported sudden stops and swerving vehicles, with debris scattered across both lanes. The Tulare County Fire Department closed the highway from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line.
Driver Accounts
Katrina Saldivar, a driver caught in the aftermath, described seeing multiple vehicles swerve off the road. Isidro Gonzalez, another driver, narrowly avoided being hit from behind by a semi-truck. Both emphasized the danger of low visibility and the fear of subsequent crashes as fog persisted.
Safety Advisories
The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for the San Joaquin Valley, warning of hazardous road conditions. Tulare County officials urged drivers to manually turn on headlights, as automatic systems may not activate in foggy conditions.
Historical Context
Just weeks prior, a 17-vehicle crash on Highway 99 in Fresno County, also caused by fog, resulted in two fatalities. CHP officials noted that lessons from that incident helped expedite the response to Saturday’s crash.
Long-Term Implications
The crash highlights ongoing safety concerns on Highway 99, a major route through the Central Valley. Drivers expressed unease about future travel in the area, particularly during foggy conditions.