Highway 99 in Tulare County reopened Saturday after a massive pile-up brought traffic to a standstill. The California Highway Patrol confirmed 59 vehicles were involved in the incident, which occurred near Avenue 24 on both the northbound and southbound lanes.
Massive Pile-Up Disrupts Highway 99
The CHP began receiving calls about the crashes shortly after 8:15 a.m. Saturday. Within 11 minutes, all traffic had stopped. CHP Officer Adrian Gonzalez described the scene as “carnage,” noting vehicles were “turned over and up on each other, under each other.”
Ten people were transported to hospitals with injuries. Nine sustained minor injuries, while one person suffered a moderate injury to their forehead. All other individuals involved were transported to the Tulare Ag Center.
Investigators have identified fog as a contributing factor, estimating visibility was between 100 and 200 feet at the time of the crashes. This incident follows a similar, fog-related 17-vehicle pile-up on Highway 99 in Fresno County weeks prior, which tragically resulted in two fatalities.
Officer Gonzalez emphasized the importance of safe driving practices in foggy conditions, urging drivers to “slow your speed down,” explaining it provides more reaction time and reduces the severity of potential accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Highway 99 pile-up?
Investigators believe fog was a significant factor, reducing visibility to between 100 and 200 feet at the time of the crashes.
How many people were injured in the pile-up?
Ten people were transported to hospitals. Nine had minor injuries, and one had a moderate injury to their forehead.
How long was Highway 99 closed?
Highway 99 was fully reopened after being closed for approximately six hours, according to the CHP.
As fog remains a potential hazard in the region, what steps can drivers take to ensure their safety on roadways with limited visibility?
