Overview
- At least 10 people were hospitalized with minor to moderate injuries, and no deaths were reported, according to the California Highway Patrol.
- The collisions began around 8:15 a.m. on Jan. 31 near Avenue 24 by Earlimart, impacting both directions of Highway 99 and forcing a full closure for roughly six hours before reopening.
- Investigators say dense tule fog sharply limited sight distance, contributing to rapid, multi‑lane impacts across northbound and southbound traffic.
- Tulare County Fire requested mutual aid from Kern County Fire and Visalia City Fire as CHP, Caltrans and numerous tow companies worked to clear wreckage including multiple big rigs.
- Initial estimates of up to 150 vehicles from county officials were later revised to 59 by CHP, highlighting early uncertainty during a large, chaotic scene.