Washington (nytoday) — A powerful snowstorm caused widespread disruption in the US state of Michigan after a massive chain-reaction crash involving more than 100 vehicles occurred on a major highway. The collision included at least 30 heavy trucks and was so extensive that the entire motorway was forced to shut down, with overturned cars and jackknifed lorries scattered across the road.
Drone footage shared by Fox Weather on social media showed Interstate 196 blanketed in thick snow, with numerous vehicles sliding off the highway and into nearby ditches. Authorities reported that wind speeds reached up to 40 miles per hour at the time of the incident, while snowfall in the area exceeded one foot.
Michigan State Police confirmed that several people sustained injuries in the crash, but no fatalities have been reported. Emergency crews closed the motorway in both directions, warning that clearing the wreckage and reopening the road could take several hours.
Due to ongoing snowfall and dangerous conditions, stranded motorists were transported by bus to a nearby high school, where temporary shelter was provided. Meanwhile, extreme cold weather has spread across large parts of the United States. In a rare occurrence, snowfall was even recorded in the Florida Panhandle, prompting residents to stay up late to witness the unusual sight.
The National Weather Service has issued severe cold and blizzard warnings for regions stretching from northern Minnesota to Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, with forecasters warning that conditions may worsen in the days ahead.
FAQs
1. Where did the 100-vehicle crash occur in the United States?
The massive pile-up occurred on Interstate 196 in the US state of Michigan during a severe snowstorm.
2. Were there any fatalities in the Michigan highway accident?
No fatalities were reported. Authorities confirmed that several people were injured, but all survived.
3. What caused the large-scale collision on the highway?
The crash was caused by heavy snowfall, strong winds reaching 40 mph, poor visibility, and icy road conditions.