At least 50 vehicles were involved in a series of small pileups on Highway 198 in Hanford, California, on Tuesday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said drivers traveling too fast in the dense fog caused the crashes.
The first crash was a four-vehicle pileup that occurred around 7:20 a.m. A milk tanker attempted to turn from Highway 41 onto 198 when it struck a tractor trailer. About two minutes later, two other vehicles plowed in the the back of the tanker.
CBS47 Fresno captured this footage of the initial crash.
Semi attempting to turn from southbound lanes on 41 when tanker truck slammed into side, two other vehicles involved. No word on injuries. pic.twitter.com/ZG4FAW6I9I
— Joe Moeller (@joemoeller44) January 31, 2017
Within two hours, several additional pileups involving “at least 50 vehicles” occurred, according to the California Highway Patrol.
WILD SCENE: 50+ CAR pileup on Highway 198 just outside Hanford. Minor injuries. Chp says fog and excessive speed are to blame. pic.twitter.com/Bwlyuitw5b
— Angela Greenwood (@AGreenwoodNews) January 31, 2017
The westbound lanes of 198 were closed between 13th and 16th avenues in Hanford as crews worked to remove the vehicles. At least 10 people were taken to the hospital.
No deaths have been reported.
At approximately 12:05 PST, the California Highway Patrol announced that the highway would remain closed for a few more hours.
Fog is clearing in #Hanford area, crews now clearing the last accidents. Highway 198 westbound still closed for a few hours. pic.twitter.com/b997Di2n4y
— Joe Moeller (@joemoeller44) January 31, 2017
The Fresno Bee captured this footage from the subsequent pileups, as well as an interview with a CHP officer.
