EARLIMART, CA — A massive pileup involving dozens of vehicles closed Northbound State Route 99 today, leaving traffic in total gridlock between Earlimart and Delano.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash happened at about 8:16 a.m. just south of Avenue 24. While initial reports estimated 40 vehicles were involved, the CHP later increased that number to between 60 and 80.
The pileup reportedly began when a semi-truck crashed into the site of an earlier accident. One of the trucks caught in the wreckage was a tractor-trailer carrying 78,500 pounds of mandarins.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy fog and ongoing road construction created dangerous driving conditions at the time of the pileup. Authorities reported that drivers could only see about 200 feet ahead on State Route 99 between Avenue 16 and Avenue 24.
The dense fog and the force of the chain reaction caused extensive damage to dozens of cars and trucks.
Emergency Response
First responders from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, fire crews, and emergency medical services faced major delays reaching the crash. According to official logs, the traffic was so bad that some emergency workers had to walk to the crash site.
Fire crews drove on the wrong side of the road to get around the stalled traffic and reach those needing help.
Traffic Diversions
The CHP and the state’s transportation department, Caltrans, have closed all northbound lanes, with traffic being diverted at Cecil Avenue. Officers are also directing southbound drivers to State Route 43 to avoid the backup.
Extensive vehicle damage and debris have kept the highway blocked as crews continue to work at the scene. There is currently no estimate for when the lanes will reopen.
