A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision involving as many as 150 cars occurred on Highway 99 in California due to dense fog conditions, shutting down a major stretch of the notorious route. Officials confirm at least 59 vehicles participated in the crash, which unfolded on Saturday morning just after 8:15 a.m. local time near Earlimart, north of Bakersfield.
Scene of Devastation
Images from the site reveal extensive damage, including scattered debris, twisted metal, and passenger cars crushed between semi-trucks. Some vehicles appear torn open from the impact force, with wreckage spanning multiple lanes on both northbound and southbound directions from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line. The incident prompted a full closure of the Golden State Highway, stranding traffic for hours as emergency teams cleared the area.
Authorities had issued warnings earlier that morning, advising drivers to avoid travel amid heavy fog. Visibility measured between 100 and 200 feet at the time of the crashes.
Safety Warnings Issued
A county spokesman emphasized the dangers of foggy conditions, stating: “During dense fog, avoid travel and DO NOT rely on automatic headlights. Because it is not dark, headlights and tail lights are not illuminated, and your vehicle is nearly impossible to see. Make sure to manually turn on your headlights so others have a chance to see you.”
Tulare County Fire coordinated with Kern County Fire and Visalia City Fire for support, while California Highway Patrol officers managed the scene as responders assessed and removed damaged vehicles. Drivers received directives to seek alternate routes during the cleanup.
Injuries and Response
Ten individuals sustained injuries and required hospital transport, though no fatalities have been reported. Initial assessments from Tulare County estimated up to 150 vehicles involved, highlighting the scale of the pile-up.
History of Fog-Related Crashes
Highway 99 has a reputation for severe fog-induced accidents. This event follows a 43-car collision on nearby Highway 58 outside Bakersfield just days prior, which sent nine people to the hospital. Earlier this month, a 17-vehicle crash on Highway 99 in Fresno resulted in two deaths: driver Gustavo Vargas and his relative Gloria Rodriguez. Vargas’ wife suffered injuries after falling 40 feet over a guardrail. The family was en route to church at the time.
