A single-vehicle collision on northbound State Route 99 near Betty Drive in Visalia, CA, resulted in a vehicle catching fire early this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 3:44 AM when the vehicle struck the center divider, leading to smoke and flames shortly thereafter. Emergency services responded quickly, arriving on the scene to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames by 3:49 AM.
Traffic was significantly impacted as all lanes were temporarily closed while emergency crews worked to manage the situation. The vehicle was reported to be positioned horizontally across the lanes, causing a complete halt of traffic just south of Betty Drive. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries associated with this incident.
By 5:07 AM, the roadway was cleared, and a tow truck was called to remove the vehicle from the scene. The prompt response from emergency services helped to minimize disruption to traffic and ensure the safety of all motorists in the area.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling through the area, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced. The California Highway Patrol encourages drivers to remain alert and report any hazardous conditions they may encounter on the road.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and being prepared for unexpected situations on the highway.