A 59-vehicle pileup on Highway 99 near Earlimart, Tulare County, shut down both directions of the highway for hours on Saturday morning. The crash, which occurred around 8:15 a.m., was caused by dense fog that reduced visibility to 100–200 feet, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The CHP confirmed 59 vehicles were involved, though initial reports suggested as many as 150. Ten people were taken to local hospitals, with nine suffering minor injuries and one sustaining a moderate injury. The highway reopened midafternoon after a six-hour cleanup effort.
Deeper Dive & Context
Cause and Conditions
Authorities attributed the crash to near-zero visibility due to tule fog, a common hazard in the Central Valley. CHP Officer Adrian Gonzalez described the scene as "carnage," with vehicles overturned and debris scattered across both lanes. The National Weather Service had issued a fog advisory for the region.
Response and Recovery
Emergency crews, including tow trucks and Caltrans, worked to clear wreckage. Drivers were bused to the Tulare Ag Center for medical evaluations and transportation. The CHP emphasized the importance of slowing down in foggy conditions, citing a similar 17-vehicle crash in Fresno County weeks earlier that claimed two lives.
Long-Term Implications
The crash occurred during one of the longest tule fog seasons in years, raising concerns about road safety. The CHP has urged drivers to avoid travel during dense fog and not rely solely on automatic headlights.
Divergent Perspectives
Some sources reported higher vehicle counts (up to 150), but the CHP disputed these estimates. While the exact number remains debated, all sources agreed on the fog’s role in the crash and the severity of the incident.