Fresno freeway turns into slip ‘n slide after fish oil spill shuts down Highway 99

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A five mile section of southbound Highway 99 in Fresno was closed Thursday night following a large oil spill.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the stretch between Olive Avenue and Jensen Avenue was shut down after multiple vehicles spun out on the slick roadway and crashed.

Turns out it was fish oil being transported in the back of a big rig trailer.

Officers followed the trail to a 40,000 gallon load, much of which had leaked from the trailer.

The investigation showed due to improper securement and sudden braking, the liquid load shifted and began leaking onto the freeway.

Traffic was being diverted off the highway at Olive Avenue, and drivers are being advised to expect significant delays.

A hazmat team with the Fresno Fire Department were able to identify the substance as non-flammable, non-combustible, non-oxidizing and organic in nature.

Caltrans crews applied absorbent materials and sand to the roadway to clean up the spill.

CHP officials estimated the cleanup and removal of vehicles should take three to four hours, with the highway expected to remain closed until at least 3 a.m.