As many as 150 cars are feared to be involved in a horror crash as dense fog caused a horror pile-up on a notorious stretch of road. At least 59 motors are confirmed to have been involved the smash, which happened on Saturday morning.
Shocking pictures show piles of debris and twisted metal along Highway 99, just north of Bakersfield, California. The horror happened just after 8.15am local time near Earlimart, where authorities had warned motorists to avoid travel during heavy fog.
Photos released by county officials show crushed passenger vehicles wedged between semi-trucks, cars torn open by the force of impact and debris scattered across multiple lanes.
(Image: Tulare County Fire Department)
The collision stretched across the northbound and southbound lanes from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line, forcing the Golden State Highway to close completely, local media reports.
County officials urged drivers not to rely on automatic headlights during foggy daylight conditions. A spokesman said: “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.”
(Image: citizen.com)
Tulare County Fire said assistance was requested from Kern County Fire and Visalia City Fire, while California Highway Patrol officers remained on scene as emergency crews worked through the wreckage.
Authorities had not immediately released information about injuries or fatalities. Traffic remained at a standstill for hours as responders cleared damaged vehicles and assessed the scene.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes while crews worked to reopen the highway.
(Image: citizen.com)
Ten people were taken to the hospital for injuries, ABC 30 reported. There were no reports of any fatalities at time of publication.
California Highway Patrol said there was between 100 to 200 feet of visibility when the crashes happened. Tulare County initially said 150 vehicles were involved. Highway 99 is infamous for dense-fog pileups.
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