A severe dust storm, known as a haboob, led to a significant vehicle collision on a highway in central California, resulting in several individuals being treated for minor injuries, as reported by local authorities.

On Monday afternoon, thick clouds of dust drastically diminished visibility on State Route 152 in Madera County, prompting a series of collisions among drivers, according to information from the California Highway Patrol.

Approximately 20 vehicles were part of the incident, the highway patrol confirmed.

Footage shared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection depicted a towering dust cloud advancing across the area near Chowchilla, illustrating the severity of the storm.

Witness Delissa Fulce described the ordeal as frightening, stating, “We got hit, we thought we were okay, then we got hit again, and again. We just thought it wasn’t going to be over. I really thought we were going to die. And I’m really thankful we’re okay.” Fulce recounted her experience during an interview with a local news outlet.

Authorities mentioned that multiple people were taken to hospitals due to minor injuries, but they did not disclose the precise number of those affected.

A haboob is characterized as a dust storm propelled by winds from a weather front and is most commonly seen in flat, dry regions.