59-Vehicle Pile-Up Shuts Down Major California Highway

Foggy conditions led to a series of crashes on Highway 99 in Tulare County.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 59-vehicle pile-up shut down a main California highway Saturday morning as fog severely limited visibility. The crash happened on Highway 99, nearly 40 miles north of Bakersfield, in Tulare County. CHP officers said there was an initial crash on each side of the highway, which was followed by a series of other crashes, with 59 vehicles involved in total.

Why it matters

Highway 99 is a major thoroughfare through California's Central Valley, a key agricultural region. The closure caused significant disruption to traffic and commerce in the area.

The details

Fog limited visibility in the area to about 150-200 feet, the CHP said. The highway was closed in both directions until about 2:30 p.m. as crews worked to clear the scene. Officials said multiple people suffered minor to moderate injuries. The CHP advised drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert in low-visibility conditions.

  • The crash happened on Saturday morning.
  • The highway was closed until around 2:30 p.m.

The players

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the multi-vehicle crash and provided details about the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of driving cautiously in poor weather conditions, as fog can severely limit visibility and increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions on major highways.