Dust may have played factor in chain-reaction crash on Highway 41 near Caruthers

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Roadways became nearly impossible to see as the wind kicked up dust and dirt all across the San Joaquin Valley.

The dirty air on Monday was bad enough to be a factor in a multi-car collision in Fresno County and even prompted a health warning.

California Highway Patrol officers say the fast blowing wind and dust was one of the reasons several cars crashed along Highway 41 near Caruthers.

CHP says drivers involved in that crash had about 10 feet of visibility when that crash occurred, and could barely see the cars in front of them.

Rebecca Turner was one of the drivers involved and said she slowed down because of the poor visibility.

"I slowed down to 15 mph. before I knew it was rear-ended. I accidentally hit the car in front of me, and supposedly, several people hit cars," Turner said.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a health advisory for several counties, including Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, and Tulare.

"We're not accustomed to these windblown events," said Cassandra Melching with SJ Valley Air District.