‘Limit Distractions’ 43-Vehicle Pileup Shuts Down Both Sides of the Highway in Central California
A 43-vehicle pileup on Highway 58 near Bakersfield, Calif., just after 8 a.m. on Tuesday injured nine people. Reports indicate that multiple semi-trucks were involved.
At the time of the massive pileup, the California Highway Patrol estimated the visibility was 50 to 60 feet due to fog. A dense fog advisory was in effect at the time of the crashes.
Authorities, including the Kern County Fire Department, issued a mass-casualty/trauma response and requested additional resources upon arrival at the scene. Officials reported no fatalities.
By 9 a.m., authorities closed all lanes on both sides of the highway. They didn’t fully reopen until approximately 12:08 a.m. on Wednesday.
Despite initially blaming reduced visibility for the pileup, authorities are still investigating the official cause of the crash
“We have reports of visibility being down to about 50 feet, which may have contributed to the cause of the crash,” said Jorge Toro, CHP’s Public Information Officer. “So when you’re driving in dense fog areas like that, it’s very important to greatly reduce your speed, put those distractions away, and give 100% of your attention to the road.”
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in place across portions of Kern County through Wednesday, with another expected to be in place overnight.
“It seems like we’ve had more fog this year already than in years past, so it’s very important not to take it for granted,” Officer Toro added. “When we tell you to leave with plenty of time, limit distractions, reduce your speed – I think those are key elements that will keep you safe.”
