Tanker carrying 8,600 gallons of fuel ignites on Highway 99

A collision on Highway 99 engulfed a fuel tanker in flames Saturday, closing the roadway for nearly the entire day. 

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Shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday, a box truck with a flat tire pulled over on Highway 99 in Selma, a town about 15 miles south of Fresno. The driver had been waiting for assistance for about 10 minutes when the driver of a Peterbilt fuel truck drifted into the shoulder, striking the truck, California Highway Patrol officials said. The collision sparked a fire and the fuel truck, which was carrying 8,600 gallons of fuel, went up in flames.

Caltrans cameras captured the frightening scene, with black smoke rising up from the truck and traffic continuing along in the opposite direction. Because of the intensity of the fire, Selma and Cal Fire firefighters had to wait for it to burn out before they could clear the lanes. Firefighters focused on preventing the fire from spreading into the neighborhood adjacent to the freeway. 

“Despite the intensity of the fire, both drivers were able to safely exit their vehicles and suffered only minor injuries,” CHP in Fresno said.

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Southbound lanes were closed fully for hours, with the highway reopening fully before 10 p.m. Saturday.

“This crash is a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the highway,” CHP said. “Stay alert. Pay attention. Be aware of the traffic around you.”