At a Glance
- One person is dead and at least 20 others are injured after a 17-vehicle crash on State Route 99 in Fresno.
- Dense fog and unsafe speed for conditions triggered two crashes moments apart.
- A woman fell 40 feet down an embankment and survived with major injuries; her husband died at the scene.
- Why it matters: The tragedy underscores how quickly weather and speed can turn a routine drive deadly.
A multi-vehicle pileup in dense fog on State Route 99 in Fresno, California, has left one person dead and at least 20 others injured, according to local reports cited by News Of Losangeles.
The Crash Sequence
The incident began at approximately 9:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. Seventeen vehicles collided on the southbound side of the highway between North and Cedar avenues.
Two separate crashes happened “moments apart”:
- After the first collision, a couple exited their car.
- A second vehicle struck them, killing the man and critically injuring the woman.
The woman went over a barrier and fell 40 feet down an embankment. She survived with major injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Victim Identified
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office later identified the deceased man as 61-year-old Gustavo Villanueva Vargas of Fresno.
Contributing Factors
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) cited two primary causes:
- Dense fog
- Unsafe speed for conditions
CHP-Fresno posted on Facebook: “Yesterday’s crash on Highway 99 is a heartbreaking reminder of how unsafe speed for conditions, combined with dense fog, can turn an early-morning drive into a life-changing event.”
Emergency Response
Multiple agencies responded to the scene:
- Fresno Fire Department
- California Highway Patrol
- American Ambulance
Fresno Fire spokesperson Josh Sellers told SFGATE that other people involved sustained minor injuries.
The fire department detailed the operation on Facebook:
“Responding crews worked swiftly and collaboratively to extract trapped occupants, triage patients, render lifesaving medical care, and transport the injured to area hospitals. Incidents involving multiple victims can be chaotic and require a high level of coordination among responding agencies. Yesterday’s response demonstrated the effectiveness of that coordinated effort.”
Visual Evidence
The Fresno Fire Department shared photos showing several cars with severe damage. One image depicts crumpled vehicles scattered across the fog-shrouded highway.
Official Statements
CHP-Fresno emphasized the dangers of driving in poor visibility:
“Bad weather can play a tragic role on our roadways.”
The agency accompanied the statement with a video of first responders navigating the crash site amid thick fog.
Road Safety Reminder
Authorities urge drivers to:
- Reduce speed during foggy conditions
- Use low-beam headlights
- Increase following distance
- Avoid sudden stops
Neither the Fresno Fire Department nor CHP-Fresno immediately replied to News Of Losangeles‘s request for additional comment.
Key Takeaways
- One fatality and 20+ injuries resulted from the 17-car chain-reaction crash.
- Dense fog and excessive speed created deadly conditions on State Route 99.
- A couple struck after exiting their vehicle bore the brunt of the impact.
- Coordinated emergency response prevented further loss of life.
