Eighteen cars involved in Highway 99 crash in Selma, CHP says

As many as 18 cars were involved in a chain of crashes Friday morning on northbound Highway 99 in Selma, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP spokesman Mike Salas said there were four different crashes in a stretch of the highway between Mountain View Avenue and Second Street. The initial crash report came around 8:10 a.m., Salas said.

Only one person, with moderate injuries, was transported to a hospital in Selma, Salas said.

The crashes happened in an area of construction, around the same place a fatal crash happened Mother’s Day.

Cal Trans reported shortly after the Friday incident began that traffic was backed up for nearly three miles. By noon Friday, traffic had cleared following cleanup.

Salas said alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be factors in the crash. He said, however, speed and “inattention” were likely the cause.

“We urge the motoring public to reduce their speed, limit their distractions and use caution while traveling through the construction area,” Salas said.

This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 9:46 AM.