Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 99 Leaves One Dead in Fresno

Ayuda California.
January 13, 2026

Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 99 Leaves One Dead and Several Injured After 17-Vehicle Pileup in Dense Fog

Fresno, CA – January 12, 2026 | Ayuda California News

A multi-vehicle crash on Highway 99 claimed the life of a 61-year-old man and left several people injured — including young children — Sunday morning in the Fresno area, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The crash involved 17 vehicles, including a big rig, and occurred under extremely dense fog conditions, with visibility estimated at only 10 to 15 feet, which authorities say likely contributed to the chain-reaction collision.

What Happened?

According to CHP’s preliminary report:

The crash occurred in extremely dense fog, with visibility limited to approximately 10–15 feet.
At least two vehicles slowed down, while others traveling behind them were unable to stop in time, triggering a chain-reaction collision.
A commercial big rig was among the vehicles involved.
Injuries ranged from minor to serious, and victims were transported to local hospitals.
Among the injured were children between 1 and 4 years old.

The investigation remains ongoing to determine responsibility and contributing factors, including speed, following distance, and compliance with safe-driving rules in adverse weather conditions.

Emergency Response

The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response involving CHP, the Fresno Fire Department, and multiple medical teams.

First responders implemented advanced search-and-rescue protocols to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure no occupants were trapped inside damaged vehicles. Due to the magnitude of the crash, several victims were evacuated using emergency buses.

Dangers of Driving in Fog in California

Crashes like this highlight the serious risks of driving in dense fog, especially on corridors like Highway 99, where heavy traffic is common.

Authorities remind drivers that under California law, motorists must:

Reduce speed based on roadway conditions (CVC § 22350).
Maintain a safe following distance (CVC § 21703).
Use proper lighting and exercise extreme caution in low-visibility conditions.

Rights of Victims and Their Families

In multi-vehicle crashes like this, victims or their families may be entitled to compensation if negligence by one or more drivers is established.

Under California law, potential claims may include:

Personal injury claims for those who were injured.
Wrongful death claims under CPC §§ 377.60–377.61.
Shared liability, under California’s pure comparative negligence system (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.), occurs when multiple drivers contribute to a crash.
Claims against multiple insurance policies, including UM/UIM coverage if any at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.