Massive 30-Vehicle Pileup in Indiana Due to Extreme Weather Conditions
A devastating 30-vehicle crash involving at least 10 semi trucks occurred in Indiana on Wednesday, causing widespread disruption to traffic on the Indiana Toll Road in Elkhart County. The Indiana State Police have confirmed that weather was a significant factor in the crash, with roads rendered slick and visibility greatly reduced due to a powerful lake-effect storm impacting the region.
According to Sgt. Ted Bohner, the public information officer for Indiana State Police, the crash was part of a series of incidents that took place by mile marker 94 on Interstate 80 East near the Bristol Toll Plaza. The involvement of 10 semi trucks in the pileup underscores the severity of the situation, highlighting the need for caution when driving in hazardous conditions.
Weather Conditions and Road Safety
The lake-effect storm that caused the crash is part of a larger weather system affecting the Great Lakes region, with Winter Storm Warnings in effect for Berrien, La Porte, and St. Joseph counties, and a Winter Weather Advisory for Cass, Starke, and Marshall counties. The FOX Forecast Center predicts that areas where lake-effect bands are most persistent could see up to 12 to 18 inches of snow, with some areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches.
The Indiana Toll Road had issued a winter weather ban from La Porte County to St. Joseph County on Tuesday, advising residents to exercise caution and reduce speed when driving in hazardous conditions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing road safety during extreme weather events.
Impact and Response
Initially, all eastbound and westbound lanes were blocked while emergency crews attended to the incident. However, according to the Indiana Toll Road, lanes have since reopened, and traffic is no longer being diverted at the Mishawaka Toll Plaza and Elkhart East Toll Plaza.
Heavy lake-effect snow falls in the Great Lakes region.
(Cory Gerkhin / FOX Weather)
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