Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A massive pile-up crash involving 100 vehicles, including cars and semi-trucks, occurred in Oregon Highway as a snowstorm swept through the region, officials said.
According to USA Today, the accident took place on Interstate 84 near Multnomah Falls on Thursday (February 13). The storm significantly reduced visibility and made road conditions dangerously slick, contributing to the crashes.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office urged crash victims to remain inside their vehicles until emergency responders arrived, warning that strong winds were creating additional hazards by blowing fine snow across the highway. “We advise everyone to stay inside their vehicles for their safety unless there is an urgent reason to exit,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Multiple Collisions Across Several Points
According to iNews, authorities reported that the crash occurred at multiple locations along the Oregon highway, with the largest crash involving at least 30 vehicles stacked together. Additional collisions were scattered across nearby areas.
Some victims were reportedly trapped inside their vehicles due to the wreckage. Emergency crews arrived swiftly to provide assistance, ensuring that those injured received immediate medical attention. Officials also reported one SUV caught fire in the aftermath of the crash, but all occupants were safely rescued,
As of now, authorities have not released an official count of casualties, but reports indicate that dozens of people sustained injuries and were treated at the scene.
Road Closures and Weather Conditions
The Oregon Department of Transportation announced the closure of a three-mile stretch of westbound I-84 west of Multnomah Falls due to the pileup. Officials warned that the closure could be extended as heavy snowfall continues to impact the area.
“This could be a prolonged closure due to the weather,” Department of Transportation stated, as reported CNBC Indonesia. “Interstate routes are also shut down in both directions between Ontario and Baker City in eastern Oregon due to visibility dropping below 500 feet amid blowing and drifting snow.”
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Multnomah Falls is located about 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon’s largest city. The greater Portland area remains under a winter weather advisory, with forecasters predicting snowfall of 2 to 5 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph in some locations.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution as the severe winter conditions persist. With ongoing snowfall and strong winds expected to continue, officials are closely monitoring the situation and working to clear the wreckage.
(Raidi/Agung)
