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Major Highway Incident Prompts Closure in Madera

MADERA, Calif. – A significant traffic incident on Sunday evening resulted in the closure of the southbound lanes of Highway 99 for several hours, after a collision between a semi-truck and a pickup truck. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash caused four temporary K-Rails, used for construction zones, to be displaced onto the roadway.

Details of the Collision

According to the CHP’s preliminary investigation, a 23-year-old driver operating a Kenworth semi was traveling northbound in the slow lane near Avenue 12 when the accident occurred. Simultaneously, a 22-year-old motorist in a Toyota Tacoma was using the left lane in the same direction.

Accident Dynamics

The incident unfolded as the Kenworth driver attempted to change lanes unsafely, leading to a collision with the Tacoma. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to veer into a nearby construction site, striking the temporary K-Rails and pushing them onto the southbound freeway.

Aftermath and Impact on Traffic

As a result of the crash, both the pickup truck and the semi-truck entered the southbound lanes before coming to a halt on the west shoulder of the highway. Fortunately, both drivers only experienced minor injuries. However, the incident led to substantial traffic disruptions, necessitating a closure of all southbound lanes until the debris could be cleared and the scene secured.

Safety Considerations

This incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, particularly in construction zones where temporary barriers are installed for public safety. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and adhere to lane restrictions to avoid dangerous situations.

Source
www.yahoo.com