UPDATE: Three people have been confirmed dead, and an additional 14 were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries.
Five helicopters were dispatched to the scene.
Eyewitness reports are saying that the pile-up includes anywhere from seven to 20 vehicles..
At least two people are reported to be still trapped in their vehicles.
Traffic is currently backed up to Maryland.
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I-81 in West Virginia has been closed in both directions near mile marker 20 (southbound) due to a major pile-up involving at least 7 vehicles.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
According to the West Virginia state Department of Transportation, the accident occurred in Berkeley County – both northbound and southbound lanes are closed.
According to police, the nearest exit to the accident scene is Williamsport Pike.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
It is not yet known what the cause of the accident is, how many injuries there are, or if the crash is weather-related.
Stay tuned for updates.
Sources