Highway 99 in Tulare County Reopens After 59-Vehicle Pileup, CHP Says

Massive Pileup Shuts Down Key California Freeway

Highway 99 in Tulare County, California reopened Saturday after a 59-vehicle pileup forced a major shutdown early in the morning. The massive collision, which involved cars and tractor-trailers, caused traffic to stall for hours and left drivers stranded amid dangerous foggy conditions. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), several people were injured, though thankfully no fatalities were reported.

Authorities praised emergency crews for quickly clearing the wreckage and restoring traffic, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the risks posed by dense winter fog in the Central Valley.




How the Crash Happened

The CHP reported that the pileup occurred shortly after 8:15 a.m. near Avenue 24. The crash involved both northbound and southbound lanes, bringing traffic to a standstill within minutes. Debris from multiple vehicles littered the highway, complicating cleanup efforts and forcing responders to coordinate carefully to ensure safety.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as cars collided in a domino effect. Many drivers were forced to exit vehicles on foot to avoid further collisions while emergency personnel arrived. Tractor-trailers and heavily damaged vehicles added to the complexity of the situation.




What Caused the Pileup

Investigators attribute the massive crash to dense tule fog, a common winter hazard in the Central Valley that reduces visibility to as little as 100–200 feet. CHP officials warned that sudden fog can turn routine commutes deadly, especially when drivers fail to slow down or turn on headlights.

Fog-related crashes are not uncommon in the area, and officials emphasized that motorists should exercise caution during early morning and late-night travel, when conditions are most dangerous.




Emergency Response

When the pileup occurred, CHP, Caltrans, and local emergency responders rushed to the scene. Crews worked for hours to:

Clear damaged vehicles from both lanes

Remove debris and spilled cargo

Assist drivers and passengers with injuries


Approximately 10 people were transported to local hospitals, including one person with moderate injuries. Others received medical attention on-site or were taken to temporary assistance centers.




Eyewitness Accounts

Motorists caught in the pileup described braking suddenly, swerving, and trying to avoid collisions, with visibility so low that cars seemed to appear out of nowhere. One woman recounted being trapped with her mother before escaping on foot, highlighting the fear and confusion many drivers experienced.

Videos taken by drivers and bystanders showed twisted metal and damaged vehicles scattered across the freeway, illustrating the scale and intensity of the crash.




Highway Reopens After Hours

By mid-afternoon, Highway 99 was fully reopened in both directions after more than five hours of closure. Authorities credited efficient coordination among emergency responders and the experience gained from previous fog-related incidents in the region for the speedy reopening.

While traffic returned to normal, CHP continues to investigate the precise chain of events leading to the pileup, and drivers are being urged to remain cautious when traveling in foggy conditions.



Safety Tips for Driving in Fog

Officials reminded drivers that fog can turn highways into dangerous zones in seconds. Recommended precautions include:

Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles

Turn on headlights, even during daylight

Avoid sudden lane changes or overtaking

Delay travel if conditions are particularly thick


These measures can help reduce the risk of multi-vehicle crashes on California’s busy freeways.



Why This Matters

Highway 99 is a major artery through California’s Central Valley, vital for commuters and freight transport. Incidents like this 59-vehicle pileup highlight how quickly weather hazards can disrupt traffic, delay shipments, and endanger lives.

The Tulare County crash also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, quick response, and driver vigilance during the winter months. As local officials continue to warn residents about tule fog, drivers are reminded that cautious driving can save lives.



Conclusion

The massive Highway 99 pileup in Tulare County was a dangerous reminder of the hazards of winter driving in California. While authorities efficiently reopened the road and assisted those injured, the incident highlights the importance of slow, careful driving in low-visibility conditions. Residents and commuters are urged to remain vigilant during tule fog season to prevent similar accidents in the future.



FAQs

1. Where did the pileup occur?

The crash happened on Highway 99 near Avenue 24 in Tulare County, California.

2. How many vehicles were involved?

A total of 59 vehicles were involved, including cars and tractor-trailers.

3. Were there any fatalities?
No fatalities were reported, though several people were injured and transported to local hospitals.

4. What caused the crash?

Dense tule fog and reduced visibility are believed to have caused the chain-reaction pileup.

5. How long was Highway 99 closed?
The freeway was closed for more than five hours before reopening to traffic.

6. What safety precautions should drivers take in fog?

Motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during dense fog conditions.