In a catastrophic event on Highway 99 near Fresno, California, a man lost his life and several others sustained injuries when an unexpected fog descended upon the area, as described by witnesses.

Among the vehicles involved in the collision, which occurred on Sunday, January 11, was the car of Melissa and Jason Culver, part of a chain reaction that included at least 17 vehicles.

The Culvers shared with reporters that while they anticipated foggy conditions, they did not expect such a sudden and severe change in visibility.

“We had clear visibility for about half a mile,” Jason recounted to FOX26. “Then, without warning, we were met with a wall of fog.”

The couple said they were on their way to church when they rear ended a car that suddenly braked in front of them. They told media outlets they were hit seven times after initially crashing. 

“A rattle and a sense of disbelief, and before composure can ever step in, yet again, it is another rattle, bang, all over the place, what just happened, and then on repeat,” Melissa told ABC 30.

The California Highway Patrol, Fresno division said the crash started after two vehicles slowed down when the fog thickened. The CHP told the Fresno Bee that cars behind those two abruptly braked and caused a “cascade of crashes.” 

CHP posted videos and photos of the aftermath with cars piled up in the middle of the usually busy roadway, showing them crunched up against and around a semi-truck, debris scattered around and a helicopter landing nearby. 

The Culvers were among at least two dozen other people, including children, to be hurt in the crash. 

Many injuries were minor, the CHP told ABC30. The Culvers told FOX26 they escaped with small cuts, bruising, whiplash and sore ribs.

One man, 61-year-old Gustavo Villanueva Vargas, died at the scene after he and his wife got out of their cars. His wife was hospitalized with major injuries, according to the Fresno Bee. 

“Bad weather can play a tragic role on our roadways,” California Highway Patrol Fresno said in a post alongside a video of the pileup aftermath. “(The) crash on Highway 99 is a heartbreaking reminder of how unsafe speed for conditions, combined with dense fog can turn an early-morning drive into a life-changing event.”

The whole incident has the CHP encouraging people to take it slower when conditions permit. It’s something the Culvers echo after their experience. 

“Alive and late is better than the alternative,” Melissa told FOX26. 

The CHP used this event to remind drivers “when conditions change, our driving habits must change too.” They offered the following tips as the winter, foggy days continue: 

• Slow down and increase following distance.
• Use low-beam headlights. High beams reflect off fog and can actually reduce visibility.
• Stay fully attentive and have no distractions while driving.
• Avoid sudden stops or lane changes.
• If visibility becomes too limited, carefully exit the roadway if/when possible.
• Postpone your trip if conditions are too treacherous.