CHOWCHILLA, Calif. — A powerful dust storm known as a haboob caused vehicles to pile up on a Central California highway and sent several people to hospitals with minor injuries, authorities said.

An enormous cloud of dust rose over State Route 152 in Madera County on Monday afternoon, reducing visibility and causing drivers to crash into each other, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The highway patrol said about 20 vehicles were involved in the crash.

Video posted online A survey by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection showed a massive wall of dust covering the land near Chowchilla.

Driver Delissa Fulce said the experience was terrifying.

“We got shot, we thought we were okay, then we got shot again and again. We thought it would never end. I really thought we were going to die. And I’m really grateful that we’re okay,” Fulce said. ABC30.

The highway patrol said several people were hospitalized with minor injuries, without specifying the exact number.

Haboob is a wind-driven dust storm at a weather front that usually occurs in flat, arid regions.