The long line of headlights stretched as far as the eye could see after five vehicles collided on highway 41, just south of Ashlan.
Investigators say it all began when one vehicle became disabled -- and before it could be moved out of the way four drivers crashed into each other.
The California Highway Patrol says the weather appeared to be a factor.
"It would appear and this is all under investigation, but just inattention and unsafe speed for the conditions," said Sgt. John Johnson, California Highway Patrol.
A child was among those hurt but California Highway Patrol said none of the injuries seemed life threatening.
Another accident had a highway 41 on-ramp at Herndon shut down during the evening commute when an SUV overturned.
The CHP says speed and the wet roads played a role in the crash but fortunately, no one was injured.
While CHP worked to clear that scene Fresno police got called to a four vehicle, chain-reaction crash less than a mile away.
Throughout the afternoon and evening nearly all parts of the valley got drenched from Madera to downtown Fresno where people used rain jackets and umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain.
And as drivers battled wet roads on Fresno roads and highways others chose to stay in making it a busy night for Fresno Pizza Hut deliveryman Sam Farb.
"No one wants to leave their homes to go out to eat, like Carl's Jr., so they end up ordering delivery. It's just a lot busier for deliveries," Farb said.
But like most in the valley, Farb isn't complaining about the rain. "It's fine. You get kind of wet, and kind of cold. I just get in my car and I have my heater on to warm back up."
