In a tragic incident along a foggy stretch of California's Interstate 5, a massive pileup involving 35 vehicles occurred west of Bakersfield on Saturday morning. The Kern County Fire Department confirmed that the crash, which spanned about half a mile, resulted in the loss of two lives and left nine others with minor injuries.

According to authorities, the pileup took place around 7:30 a.m. when visibility was severely limited to approximately 10 feet due to the dense fog. The scene was described as chaotic by Jim Calhoun, the spokesperson for the Kern County Fire Department, who informed reporters about the challenging circumstances faced by rescue crews.

Calhoun revealed that the crash involved a combination of 17 passenger vehicles and 18 large trucks. Upon arriving at the accident site, rescue crews encountered ruptured compressed natural gas saddle tanks on some of the big rigs, leading to potential hazards. Bystanders, who were unharmed, attempted to assist those in need while being exposed to the dangerous plume of natural gas. Emergency responders prioritized evacuating the area and managing the gas leak before attending to the injured victims.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the crash, while nine others sustained minor injuries. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced that southbound lanes of Interstate 5 would remain closed overnight. Crews will work diligently to clear the debris and thoroughly investigate the cause of the collision before safely reopening the lanes to traffic.

The incident serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of cautious driving in adverse weather conditions, such as fog. As authorities continue their investigation, it is hoped that valuable lessons will be learned to prevent similar accidents and preserve the safety of all motorists on California's roads.

The thoughts and condolences of the community go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and hopes for a swift recovery are extended to those injured in the crash.