Fresno, CA – One man was killed, and multiple people were injured on the morning of Sunday, January 11, 2026, in a multi-vehicle crash on southbound Highway 99 near the Cedar Avenue on-ramp, according to The Fresno Bee, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision involved as many as 17 vehicles, including a semi-truck. The chain-reaction crash began around 9:15 a.m. when thick fog reduced visibility to approximately 10 to 15 feet. Two vehicles slowed in the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes, prompting drivers behind them to brake suddenly, leading to a series of impacts as others attempted evasive maneuvers.
Two drivers who had exited their vehicles were struck by other vehicles. One of those individuals, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another person was found with major injuries on a nearby grassy area and was transported to a hospital. In total, emergency personnel responded with approximately 12 ambulances, and several victims were taken to the hospital via FAX bus.
CHP closed the southbound lanes of Highway 99 for several hours, diverting traffic off at North Avenue. California Department of Transportation crews assisted with the closure and traffic management. Authorities said the roadway remained closed into the afternoon as investigators worked to document the scene, recover vehicles, and collect evidence.
The investigation into the exact sequence of events and contributing factors remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claims & Comparative Negligence
Determining fault in a collision can involve multiple factors, and under California’s Comparative Negligence rule, several parties can share partial responsibility.
Should someone else be found even partly responsible for the death, the family may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide compensation to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income to support the family of the deceased.
Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
