A multi-vehicle crash involving two big rigs and two pickup trucks shut down southbound Highway 99 near the Jahant Road overcrossing north of Lodi, California, on Wednesday afternoon. One driver, a 23-year-old man, was killed in the collision, while the three other drivers involved were not injured. California Highway Patrol officers closed all southbound lanes for hours after a fluid leak at the scene triggered hazmat protocols, backing up traffic for miles toward Galt. Caltrans crews worked alongside CHP to clear debris scattered across the roadway as the investigation got underway.
According to CBS Sacramento, the crash occurred before 1 p.m. and CHP officers reported that significant debris remained on the highway hours later, with the cause of the collision not immediately available. FOX40 Sacramento reported that Caltrans District 10 confirmed all southbound lanes were blocked as of 12:25 p.m. while Stockton-area CHP officers investigated the scene. The extended closure shows how quickly a commercial truck collision can escalate into a multi-hour highway shutdown, especially when hazardous fluids are involved. Authorities have not released the identity of the driver who died or said which vehicle he was driving.
