What caused the massive pileup on Highway 99 in California?

The massive pileup on Highway 99 was caused by extremely dense tule fog, which reduced visibility to near-zero conditions, leading to a chain-reaction collision involving up to 150 vehicles.

How many people were hospitalized after the Highway 99 crash?

At least 10 people were hospitalized as a result of the Highway 99 pileup.

When did the persistent tule fog season start in the San Joaquin Valley?

The unusually long and persistent tule fog season in the San Joaquin Valley began in late November and continued through January.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / 150-Vehicle Pileup Cripples Highway 99 in Dense Fog

150-Vehicle Pileup Cripples Highway 99 in Dense Fog

1 Feb

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Summary

A massive 150-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 99 due to dense tule fog.
The incident resulted in at least 10 people being hospitalized.
The persistent tule fog has blanketed the San Joaquin Valley since November.

150-Vehicle Pileup Cripples Highway 99 in Dense Fog

A multi-vehicle collision involving as many as 150 vehicles completely blocked Highway 99 in Central California on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The incident occurred near Earlimart, California, during a period of extremely dense tule fog that reduced visibility to 100 to 200 feet.

At least 10 individuals were transported to local hospitals following the crash. Many uninjured drivers were sheltered at the Tulare Ag Center. Highway 99 remained closed in both directions throughout the day and into the evening as authorities investigated and cleared the scene.

This massive pileup is the largest of the season but follows numerous other fog-related collisions in the San Joaquin Valley. The region has experienced an unusually long and persistent tule fog season, beginning in late November and continuing through January, with frequent dense fog advisories issued by the National Weather Service.