59-Vehicle Pileup on Highway 99 After Dense Fog Triggers Massive Crash
A thick fog blanketed Highway 99 in Tulare County on Wednesday morning, leading to a massive pileup. The crash involved 59 vehicles and forced authorities to shut down a three-mile section of the road. Several drivers suffered injuries, with some requiring hospital treatment.
The collisions were first reported around 8 a.m. when the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received multiple calls about crashes in both north and southbound lanes. The Tulare County Fire Department quickly closed the highway between Avenue 24 and the Kern County line to prevent further accidents.
The National Weather Service had earlier issued a fog advisory for the San Joaquin Valley, warning of reduced visibility along Highway 99. Despite the alert, drivers struggled in the dense conditions, leading to the chain-reaction crashes. Tulare County officials had urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to manually turn on headlights rather than relying on automatic settings.
Emergency crews worked for over five hours to clear the wreckage and treat the injured. Several people sustained mild to moderate injuries, and a number were transported to nearby hospitals. The highway finally reopened in the midafternoon once the scene was secured.
The pileup highlights the dangers of dense fog on major roadways. Authorities continue to advise caution during poor visibility, stressing the importance of manual headlight use and reduced speeds. The incident remains under investigation by the CHP.
