In a devastating incident, a massive pileup involving 35 vehicles, including 17 passenger cars and 18 big rigs, occurred on Saturday at approximately 7:30 a.m. along a foggy stretch of California’s Interstate 5, west of Bakersfield. Authorities reported that the crash, spread over half a mile, resulted in two fatalities and left nine others with minor injuries.
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Chaotic Scene Unfolds Amidst Foggy Conditions
The Kern County Fire Department spokesman, Jim Calhoun, described the scene as chaotic when emergency crews arrived. With visibility limited to around 10 feet due to heavy fog, first responders faced significant challenges. Calhoun informed reporters that compressed natural gas and ruptured saddle tanks on some big rigs added to the complexity, requiring the evacuation of bystanders from the hazardous area.
Cleanup Efforts and Investigation Lead to Overnight Lane Closures
The California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, announced on Saturday that southbound lanes on I-5 would remain closed overnight. Cleanup crews worked diligently to clear debris, and officials aimed to determine the official cause of the crash. Although a message left with Caltrans on Sunday wasn’t immediately returned, the closure of the I-5 between Millux Road and Old River Road was eventually lifted, allowing traffic to flow.
Witnesses Recount Terrifying Moments as Fog Likely Contributed to Tragedy
Eyewitnesses on the scene recounted the harrowing moments during the crash. Yesenia Cruz, a driver involved in the incident, shared her experience, stating, “Our GPS notified us that there was an accident, and so we stopped, and two minutes after we stopped, the car behind us hit us, and that’s when everything just happened fast.” The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Buttonwillow PIO, Manny Garcia, suggested that heavy fog, with visibility at approximately 100 feet, may have been a major factor in the collision.
Closure Details and Detours Amidst Ongoing Investigation
CHP announced the closure of southbound Interstate 5 between Millux Road and Old River Road, a stretch expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. Detours were established, redirecting traffic on eastbound Highway 223 to Southbound 99. The Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Teams (MAIT) joined the investigation to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the tragic pileup.
Community Responds to Urgency Amidst Tragic Morning in California
Amidst the tragedy, witnesses and first responders described the urgency and chaos at the accident scene. KCFD Battalion Chief Jim Calhoun highlighted the challenges of dealing with ruptured gas tanks and the plume of natural gas, emphasizing the need to prioritize evacuations. The emotional toll on those involved, including families with children, was evident as screams for help pierced through the chaotic aftermath.
In conclusion, the multi-vehicle pileup on I-5 serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by adverse weather conditions. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of two lives while hoping for a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to this tragic incident.
