59-vehicle crash forces closure of Highway 99 in Central California, CHP says

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. — A Saturday morning crash involving nearly 60 vehicles in Central California’s Tulare County forced a closure of Highway 99 in both directions at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP received several calls about the incident shortly after 8:15 a.m. Authorities say the crash happened in northbound and southbound lanes near Avenue 24, about 40 miles north of Bakersfield.

10 people were taken to a local hospital for injuries. Updates on their conditions were not immediately available.

All others involved in the crash were transported by bus to the International Agri-Center in Tulare.

CHP investigators believe fog was a factor, estimating there was between 100 to 200 feet of visibility at the time of the chain-reaction crash.

Both sides of the highway are expected to remain closed well into the evening as the investigation continues.

KFSN contributed to this report.