Highway 99 in Tulare County Closed After 59-Vehicle Crash, CHP Reports
Highway 99 in Tulare County faced a significant disruption on Saturday due to a massive vehicle pile-up. This incident involved 59 vehicles and led to the closure of the highway in both directions, as confirmed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Details of the Accident
The collision occurred shortly after 8:15 a.m. near Avenue 24. CHP Officer Adrian Gonzalez described the scene, stating, “The carnage out there. Vehicles turned over and up on each other, under each other.”
Vehicle Count Discrepancy
Initially, the County of Tulare estimated that up to 150 vehicles were involved. However, the CHP later confirmed the actual number was 59 vehicles.
Injuries and Emergency Response
- Ten people required hospitalization.
- Nine individuals sustained minor injuries.
- One individual received moderate injuries to their forehead.
- The remaining parties were transported to the Tulare Ag Center.
Weather Conditions Contributing to the Crash
Investigators indicated that fog played a significant role in the accident. At the time of the crash, visibility was reported to be between 100 and 200 feet. This has become a concerning trend in the area, as just weeks earlier, dense fog contributed to another serious incident involving 17 vehicles in Fresno County.
Swift Recovery Efforts
The CHP utilized lessons learned from previous traffic incidents to expedite their response. They successfully cleared all vehicles and reopened the highway within six hours.
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Officer Gonzalez emphasized the importance of reducing speed in foggy conditions to ensure safety. He advised, “It’s very important to slow your speed down. Not only will it give you time to react, but if there is an accident, it won’t be a major accident.”
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the pile-up remains active as authorities continue to gather insights into the events leading up to the crash.
For more updates regarding this incident, stay tuned to Filmogaz.com.
