LEMOORE, CA : Ten injured in crash south of NAS Lemoore on April, Thursday 13th 2017

Nearly two dozen vehicles crashed Thursday on Avenal Cutoff Road after a dust storm reduced visibility, the California Highway Patrol said.

The CHP received a report of a collision at 3:03 p.m. involving three vehicles at Avenal Cutoff Road, just south of Jackson Avenue. Within minutes, the CHP said, witnesses reported up to 10 vehicles were involved.

Officer John Tyler, a spokesman for the Hanford area CHP office, said heavy winds caused a dust storm that contributed to the crash. Tyler said vehicles slowed down for the dust, creating a chain reaction collision.

"The visibility was severely reduced," Tyler said.

At the crash site, Lt. Don Tripp, Hanford area CHP commander, said a majority of the vehicles involved in the crash were able to safely stop, but were then hit from behind and pushed into the vehicles in front of them.

Nelly Espinoza said the dust was so thick, she was not able to see anything before it was too late.

"Out of nowhere I just saw the truck in front of me and I hit my brakes and skid," Espinoza said. "Unfortunately we hit the [vehicle in front]."

Espinoza had her husband and two young daughters in the car with her, but none of them were injured.

A total of 22 vehicles were damaged. Ten people were transported to area hospitals with minor to moderate injuries. Tripp said there was one major injury and the individual was transported to Adventist Medical Center with possible blunt force trauma from hitting the steering wheel of the car.

"Fortunately they were all wearing their seat belts, which reduced injuries," Tripp said. "That little piece of cloth does save lives."

Source :
Ten injured in crash south of NAS Lemoore