Tragedy struck on Saturday as a dense fog proved deadly for drivers on Interstate 5 in California. A massive pileup involving 35 vehicles led to the loss of two lives and left nine others injured. The incident occurred on the southbound side of the freeway in Kern County, causing both sides of the highway to be closed and traffic to be diverted.
Fog’s Deadly Embrace
The California Department of Transportation, commonly known as Caltrans, reported the grim news. Thick fog dramatically impaired visibility, making it difficult for drivers to navigate the treacherous conditions. Emergency services were inundated with calls reporting the horrific collision at around 7:30 a.m.
Caltrans did not provide further details, and the California Highway Patrol and Kern County Fire Department were unavailable for comment. The accident is believed to be a direct result of Tule fog, a phenomenon in the San Joaquin Valley where heavy mist engulfs the ground after rainfall saturates the soil.
Devastating Impact
According to KBAK News, a local NBC affiliate, the pileup involved a staggering 17 vehicles and 18 big rigs. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the chaos, and nine others were rushed to the hospital with their conditions undisclosed. The full extent of the injuries suffered by those involved is still being assessed.
Stay Informed
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Keep an eye out for the latest news on this tragic incident. Your safety on the roads is paramount, so exercise caution and remain vigilant when driving in inclement weather conditions.
To read more about the incident, you can visit F5mag.com.
Source: F5 Magazine