The accident happened in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 near Mountain View Avenue, south of Selma, around 1:15 Sunday afternoon
The driver of the big rig pulling a trailer full of fruit did not notice traffic in front of him stop, according to CHP Spokesperson Mike Salas.
The big rig slammed into five other vehicles and burst into flames.
A total of 15 people were in the six vehicles, and 10 of them are being treated at Community Regional Medical Center for moderate to major injuries.
One child, an 11-year-old girl, was killed as a result of the crash.
CHP officers are currently trying to clear the roadway, while investigating the incident.
Salas said the accident was a tragedy and cautioned drivers to slow down on the roads, especially in areas where construction is taking place.
"It's absolutely gut-wrenching. It's just the worst possible outcome we could have possibly imagined on Mother's day. There's going to be definitely a grieving family, among others, but the loss of a child is just unimaginable," said Salas.
The crash also shut down part of the highway for several hours.
Authorities say the big rig driver could be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter.