Four-Vehicle Crash Slows Traffic on Highway 99

Four-Vehicle Collision with Injuries Slows Northbound Highway 99 Near Shaw Avenue in Fresno

Overview of the Incident

On Tuesday morning, October 14, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash involving four vehicles caused injuries and major traffic delays on northbound Highway 99 near the Shaw Avenue area in Fresno. According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 5:30 a.m., a time when pre-dawn visibility and commuter traffic can heighten crash risks. Authorities reported that the involved vehicles were relocated to the right (northbound) shoulder shortly after the incident to clear the lanes, but congestion lingered as first responders assessed injuries, investigated the scene, and facilitated safe vehicle removal. CHP is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash.

Injuries and Emergency Response

Early reports indicate that one or more individuals sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation and treatment. The full extent of the injuries has not been disclosed. Emergency personnel arrived promptly, provided medical aid, and ensured the scene was stabilized. When collisions involve multiple vehicles, responders must address not only visible trauma but also potential delayed-onset injuries such as concussions, whiplash, soft-tissue strains, and internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Anyone who was involved—even those who feel “okay” at the scene—should seek medical attention as soon as possible, both for their health and to document symptoms that could evolve over the hours or days following the crash.

Traffic Impacts and Clearing the Scene

While the vehicles were moved to the shoulder, traffic remained heavy and slow for an extended period. Clearing lanes quickly is consistent with California’s “Quick Clearance” practices, which encourage motorists in minor, non-injury collisions with drivable vehicles to move out of live lanes when safe. In this case, with reported injuries and multiple vehicles, law enforcement balanced the need to preserve evidence with the need to restore traffic flow. Motorists traveling through the Highway 99/Shaw Avenue corridor during the morning commute experienced delays, and drivers were advised to use caution while passing the scene, both for the safety of responders and to avoid secondary collisions.

Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes Happen on Highway 99

Chain-reaction and multi-vehicle crashes on major corridors like Highway 99 often occur due to a combination of factors. While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, common contributors include:
- Distracted driving, including mobile phone use or in-vehicle distractions.
- Speeding or following too closely in fast-moving traffic.
- Sudden braking or unexpected lane changes near on-ramps and interchanges.
- Low-light conditions at dawn that reduce visibility and depth perception.
- Fatigue in early-morning hours.
- Impairment by alcohol or drugs in a minority of cases.
- Hazardous roadway conditions or debris.

Multi-vehicle collisions can be complex because the sequence of impacts may involve several drivers, with differing accounts and vehicle movements happening within seconds. Professional crash reconstruction, witness statements, dashcam footage, and traffic camera recordings can be crucial in determining fault.

What to Do If You Were Involved or Witnessed the Crash

If you were involved in the Highway 99 incident—or in any similar collision—consider the following steps:
- Get medical care promptly and follow treatment recommendations.
- Exchange information with other drivers and identify witnesses; obtain names, phone numbers, and vehicle details.
- Document the scene with photos or video, including vehicle positions (if safe to do so), road markings, debris fields, and visible damage.
- Preserve dashcam footage and any telematics data; do not overwrite or delete files.
- Request the CHP Traffic Collision Report (often referred to as a CHP 555) once available; note the date, time, and location to help obtain the correct report.
- Avoid making recorded statements to another driver’s insurer before you understand your rights.
- Keep a daily symptom and expense diary, including missed work, medical visits, prescriptions, and travel costs.
- Notify your own insurer promptly; if you carry Medical Payments (Med-Pay) coverage, it may help with immediate medical expenses regardless of fault.