60 vehicles involved in chain-reaction crash that sent 5 to hospital
A massive crash that involved about 60 vehicles in Washington County last week landed at least five people in the hospital, according to various media reports. Eight semis were reportedly involved in the incident and about 30 of the vehicles were directly involved. The crash occurred March 13 about 10:45 a.m. on I-41 between Sherman […]
A massive crash that involved about 60 vehicles in Washington County last week landed at least five people in the hospital, according to various media reports.
Eight semis were reportedly involved in the incident and about 30 of the vehicles were directly involved. The crash occurred March 13 about 10:45 a.m. on I-41 between Sherman Road and Hillside Road in the Town of Polk.
“There were approximately 30 vehicles directly involved in the crash — including eight semis, three heavy trucks (such as dump trucks and box-cargo trucks) and at least 12 passenger vehicles,” an article by FOX6-NOW reports.
According to the news station, there were an additional 30 vehicles that left the roadway to avoid hitting the other cars. Those cars were not damaged and were removed from a ditch and allowed to continue on their way.
The crash scene shut I-41SB down for more than six hours so authorities could investigate the pile-up.
“ Sheriff’s officials said it may take several weeks to conclude this investigation,” the article reads.
Some of the vehicles remained on the interstate through Monday night. Four tractor trailer rigs were eventually removed once the snowy weather cleared, allowing tow-trucks to safely remove them.
“All other units were removed with the collection of damaged vehicles being taken to a nearby truck stop for further investigation and collection of information,” the article reads.
Five people were transported to hospitals in the region as a result of the massive chain-reaction crash. News reports say no one had life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff’s officials commented on the incident and said the crash was likely a result of another multi-vehicle crash that backed up traffic. That crash was handled by the State Patrol and occurred just south of the massive pile-up.
“ Contributing to all of these incidents, Sheriff’s officials said, was drivers driving too fast on the snow covered roads — and whiteout conditions.”
Officials reportedly responded to 97 crash related calls involving an estimated 300 vehicles between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Washington County that day.
