A multi-vehicle accident involving more than 100 vehicles caused by the storm sweeping across the country has resulted in the death of at least four people and injured dozens in Ohio. After the initial collision, other cars continued to collide for hours due to the lack of visibility and slippery ground due to snow and ice.
According to authorities, the initial accident took place at 11:45 a.m. Friday on Interstate 80 eastbound between Route 53 and State Route 4 in Sandusky County near the Erie County line. Initially, the injured were moved to a local facility by bus to stay warm. The road was closed in both directions.
Troopers on scene confirm two fatalities, with a minimum of 46 vehicles involved. Multiple agencies from several counties are continuing rescue operations. White-out conditions persist. Travel is not recommended.#OhioTurnpikeMP106Crash pic.twitter.com/PhPcwdrsEv
— OSHP_NWOhio (@OSHP_NWOhio) December 23, 2022
"A stark reminder."
The situation soon worsened and shortly after in a 12:30 a.m. release, officers were already talking about two dead and at least 46 vehicles being involved. They also warned that bad weather conditions made it strongly advisable not to travel by car.
🚨#UPDATE: The Governor of Ohio has sadly confirmed that three people have died with dozens others injured following pileup on Ohio turnpike that happened this afternoon from White out blizzard conditions and black ice roads pic.twitter.com/nSIOpj54J9
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 24, 2022
"Staying at home."
At 2:31 a.m., Ohio Governor Mike de Wine confirmed at least three fatalities from the crash and dozens of injuries and people trapped by the collision and weather conditions. Despite the efforts, the multiple ambulances sent to the area were having great difficulty gaining access, as were the rescue teams. A fourth death was later confirmed.
🚨UPDATE: Troopers on scene confirm four fatalities. Crews continue to clear 15 commercial vehicles from the roadway. The @OhioTurnpike remains closed in both directions between exit 91 & exit 118. White-out conditions persist. Travel is not recommended.#OhioTurnpikeMP106Crash
— OSHP_NWOhio (@OSHP_NWOhio) December 24, 2022
Fourteen deaths nationwide
Sgt. Ryan Purpura of the Ohio State Highway Patrol issued a warning to those planning to drive during the storm: "This is a stark reminder of what can happen when you get behind the wheel and try to drive in bad weather. Strong winds still remain and whiteout conditions remain persistent."
De Wine's office issued a statement of condolences to the families of the victims and appealed to stay at home while the storm, which has already left at least 14 people dead across the country, passes.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) December 23, 2022
