Tanker, Pickup Collide on Manning Avenue in Dense Fog; CHP Warns Drivers

A diesel tanker entered the path of a Toyota Tacoma on Manning Avenue in Fresno County just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, leaving the Tacoma wedged under the tanker but causing no reported injuries, the California Highway Patrol said. CHP-Fresno posted images of the aftermath on social media that show the pickup’s hood crumpled beneath the large tanker.

CHP spokesperson Mike Salas said the Tacoma driver “didn't see the large tanker enter the intersection and slammed on the brakes too late to stop the collision,” but confirmed both drivers were wearing seatbelts and neither was impaired. CHP characterized the outcome as a narrow escape, calling the Tacoma driver a “lucky survivor” and noting that “thanks to his reduced speed in the fog, the driver was able to brake just enough to avoid what could have been a deadly crash. But instead everyone walked away virtually unharmed.”

Officer Anthony Daulton of CHP-Fresno highlighted how small changes in speed can make the difference between a wreck and walking away. “The driver, earlier today, being cautious, slowing down and anticipating a hazard, potentially even though he didn't know whether one was going to present itself, can potentially be a savior,” Daulton told ABC30, stressing the narrow margins dense fog leaves on local roads.

The crash unfolded amid persistent tule fog and a National Weather Service dense fog advisory for the Central Valley that remains in effect through Thursday. The advisory follows a string of recent fog-related collisions and multi-vehicle pileups in the region, elevating concerns for commuters on county roadways. CHP’s social post summed up the hazard in plain terms: “If you can't see them, they can't see you.”

Local driving instructor Rodney Cancio, a former Fresno police officer now with Five-O Driving School, urged the same simple discipline. “What I've seen as being a law enforcement officer in the Valley for 30 years. It's the most important one, just to slow down,” Cancio said, noting instructors are teaching drivers how to judge limits during patchy, unpredictable fog.

For Fresno County drivers, the incident reinforces two immediate practical steps: reduce speed in low visibility and consider delaying nonessential travel during dense fog advisories. CHP-Fresno reiterated its warning to slow down, stay alert, and avoid travel in low-visibility conditions when possible. Authorities continue to encourage motorists to buckle up and exercise extra caution on Manning Avenue and other Valley roads while the fog persists.