Dearborn County-At approximately 11:00 AM today, the Indiana State Police responded to a report of a large crash westbound on I-74 near the 168 mile marker. The two separate crashes at that location involved approximately 40 vehicles, sent six people to Cincinnati area hospitals, and had I-74 closed for roughly nine hours.
The initial reports by Troopers Chris Richey and Barry Bischoff indicated that whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow along with snow covered roadways contributed to the crash. It is believed that initially a westbound semi-tractor trailer jackknifed at that location. Due to decreased visibility and slick roads, numerous other vehicles then collided causing a pileup of roughly 28 vehicles. The second collision occurred within a quarter mile behind the first crash which involved another 12 vehicles.
Some individuals involved were initially trapped in their vehicles before finally being extricated and transported to Cincinnati area hospitals. All of the injured are believed to have non-life threatening injuries. I-74 westbound near exit 169 sustained damage to the pavement as a result of the collision. Eastbound lanes of I-74 were reopened at approximately 6:00 PM and westbound lanes were open at approximately 8:00 PM. During the road closure, eastbound traffic was diverted onto State Route 1 at the 164 mile marker-St. Leon. Westbound traffic was diverted at exit 1-Harrison, OH.
The Indiana State Police received the assistance of numerous police, fire, EMS, and wrecker services. The American Red Cross, Sunman/Dearborn Schools, and Indiana Department of Transportation also assisted.
The investigation is ongoing.
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