Fresno County, CA – Gustavo Villanueva Vargas, a 61-year-old man from Fresno, was killed on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, in a fog-related multi-vehicle crash on southbound Highway 99 near the Cedar Avenue on-ramp, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reported that more than 20 other people were injured, some critically, as a result of the chain-reaction collision.
The series of collisions involved as many as 17 vehicles, including a semi-truck. The first impact occurred around 9:15 a.m. in dense fog, where visibility was reduced to roughly 10 to 15 feet. Two vehicles slowed in the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes, prompting drivers behind them to brake suddenly. This triggered a cascading series of impacts as other drivers attempted evasive maneuvers.
Two individuals who exited their vehicles during the crash were struck by other cars. Villanueva Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene, while another person sustained major injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Fresno Fire and California Highway Patrol personnel triaged more than 20 patients, prioritizing care for those with the most severe injuries. Multiple victims were transported by ambulance, and several were taken by bus to local hospitals.
Southbound lanes of Highway 99 were closed for several hours, with traffic diverted off at North Avenue. California Department of Transportation crews assisted with the closure, debris removal, and traffic management. The roadway remained closed into the afternoon as investigators documented the scene, recovered vehicles, and collected evidence.
Authorities emphasized that thick fog played a significant role in the crash, severely limiting driver visibility. CHP continues to review video evidence and interview witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events and the specific location of each vehicle at the time of the crash.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
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 Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
