150-car crash in thick fog closes Golden State Highway

A major crash involving approximately 150 vehicles caused the closure of both directions of Highway 99 in central California early Saturday due to hazardous driving conditions caused by thick fog, officials reported. The incident spanned from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line, resulting in the complete shutdown of the Golden State Highway. The collision occurred near Earlimart, where motorists were advised to refrain from travel during foggy conditions. Images shared by county officials vividly depict the extensive wreckage, with passenger vehicles crushed between semi-trucks, cars severely damaged, and debris strewn across the lanes, underscoring the magnitude of the pileup. It was emphasized by authorities that relying on automatic headlights during daylight fog is not sufficient for visibility, and drivers were urged to manually activate their headlights in order to be more visible to others. Emergency personnel from Tulare County Fire, Kern County Fire, and Visalia City Fire were called for assistance, with California Highway Patrol officers present as the cleanup and investigation proceeded. No details on injuries or casualties were immediately provided by authorities. Traffic delays persisted for hours as crews cleared the wreckage and evaluated the area, prompting drivers to use alternative routes until the highway could be reopened. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation. The report was contributed by Luis Zuniga.