A significant traffic collision occurred today on State Route 99 North at Houghton Road in Bakersfield, CA, involving five vehicles, including a pickup truck, a semi, and a big rig with a dump trailer. The incident took place around 3:45 PM, with the pickup truck reportedly catching fire shortly after the crash.
Emergency units were dispatched promptly to manage the scene and control traffic. As a result of the collision, lane #3 on the northbound side and lane #1 on the southbound side were blocked, leading to traffic delays and congestion in the area. Debris from the incident further complicated traffic flow, causing backups for motorists.
Tow trucks were called to assist with the removal of the damaged vehicles. Some vehicles were moved to the roadside, while others remained on the highway awaiting towing. By approximately 5:11 PM, one lane on the southbound side was reopened, followed by the reopening of the third lane shortly after.
Motorists are advised to expect residual delays as cleanup efforts continue. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid potential backups and ensure a smoother journey during the afternoon traffic period.