TULARE COUNTY, Calif. — A major chain-reaction crash involving dozens of vehicles forced the complete shutdown of Highway 99 in both directions early Saturday in central California, as dense fog severely reduced visibility, officials said.

^{Photo credit: Tulare County Fire Department} 

According to Tulare County Fire, the pileup stretched across northbound and southbound lanes from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line, prompting a full closure of the Golden State Highway. County officials initially estimated about 150 vehicles were involved, but later updated the figure to 59.

The crash happened near Earlimart, where authorities urged drivers to avoid travel during heavy fog. Photos released by county officials showed the scale of the wreckage, including crushed passenger vehicles pinned between semi-trucks, cars ripped open, and debris scattered across multiple lanes.

^{Photo credit: Tulare County Fire Department} 

Officials also warned motorists not to rely on automatic headlights during foggy daylight conditions.

“During dense fog avoid travel and DO NOT rely on automatic headlights,” officials said. “Because it is not dark, headlights and tail lights are not illuminated and your vehicle is nearly impossible to see. Make sure to manually turn on your headlights so others have a chance to see you.”

Tulare County Fire said assistance was requested from Kern County Fire and Visalia City Fire, while California Highway Patrol remained on scene as crews worked through the wreckage and attempted to clear the roadway.

Authorities had not immediately released information on injuries or fatalities. Traffic remained backed up for hours as responders removed damaged vehicles and assessed the crash scene. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the highway remained closed.

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