Fiery 3 vehicle crash on Highway 99 caused major traffic delays

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A fiery clang that progressive multiple vehicles caused large postulation delays Monday greeting connected northbound Highway 99 adjacent Herndon Avenue.

The incident, which happened soon aft 9 a.m., backed up postulation for respective miles and near a way of scorched vehicles.

California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Mike Salas said the clang stemmed from an earlier collision successful Madera County, which had already caused postulation to dilatory each the mode into Fresno County.

“The large rig that you spot down maine had stopped for that slowing and stopped postulation wrong the halfway lane,” Salas said.

That’s erstwhile 2 vehicles—a motortruck and a sedan—came up down the stopped semi and crashed into it astatine precocious speed.

“Unfortunately, 2 vehicles, a motortruck and a sedan were traveling down that large rig — either didn’t spot it successful clip oregon were conscionable driving a small excessively fast,” Salas said. “Both applied the brakes beauteous overmuch the aforesaid time, slammed into the backmost of this large rig.”

The interaction caused each 3 vehicles—the 2 smaller cars and the trailer of the semi—to drawback fire. Thick fume and flames could beryllium seen billowing into the aerial arsenic crews responded.

“Both of those smaller vehicles were engulfed successful flames, causing the bare trailer to besides spell up successful flames,” Salas said.

Despite the strength of the blaze, the drivers of some burning vehicles managed to escape. They were transported to a adjacent infirmary with insignificant to mean injuries. The operator of the semi-truck was not injured.

“Seatbelts apt saved their lives,” Salas said. “We decidedly trim those injuries erstwhile radical buckle up.”

Investigators accidental excessive velocity and distracted driving were apt factors successful the crash. Salas urged drivers to dilatory down, particularly during engaged greeting commutes.

“Driving is unsafe successful and of itself,” helium said. “When you adhd successful velocity and inattention, these atrocious things tin happen—especially connected your greeting commute.”

Caltrans crews were called successful to measure the roadway damage. Drivers were advised to debar the country for respective hours arsenic cleanup continued.