A massive crash involving 43 vehicles on eastbound Highway 58 near Towerline Road Tuesday morning left nine people injured and forced the closure of both sides of the highway. As of the latest update, only eastbound lanes remain closed.
The California Highway Patrol reported that around 8:07 a.m., CHP Bakersfield units received multiple calls about a multi-vehicle crash blocking all eastbound lanes just east of Towerline Road.
Multiple CHP units, along with Kern County Fire and emergency medical services, responded. Due to the number of injured, a mass-casualty/trauma response was activated, and the CHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was called to assist.
Preliminary reports indicate that 43 vehicles were involved in the crash. Investigators believe weather may have contributed, as witnesses described extremely dense fog in the area, with visibility estimated between 50 and 60 feet.
Nine people were transported to four hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to major.
The CHP urged drivers to exercise extreme caution in foggy conditions:
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Slow down and increase following distance
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Use low-beam headlights (high beams can reduce visibility in fog)
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Avoid sudden stops or lane changes
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Exit the roadway safely if visibility becomes too limited
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Delay or postpone travel if possible
Caltrans confirmed that westbound Highway 58 near Towerline Road has reopened, while eastbound lanes at Highway 184 remain closed.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact the CHP Bakersfield Area Office at (661) 396-6600.