Iowa transportation authorities have closed all northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 in Ames following a chain reaction crash involving dozens of vehicles during winter weather conditions this afternoon.
More pictures coming in from multi-vehicle pile-up on I-35 near Ames. If you’re thinking of heading out today, look at these pictures first. pic.twitter.com/S5zoF5cC8n
— Dave Busiek (@KCCINewsDirectr) February 5, 2018
Dozens of Vehicles Collide On I-35
At least 20 vehicles were involved in a pileup crash in the southbound lanes of I-35 around 12:30 p.m., but now authorities have closed down the northbound lanes to allow emergency vehicles access to the pileup. I-35 is closed between Exit 111 and Exit 113. It isn’t clear when the interstate will reopen.
Both north- and southbound I-35 will be closed between the two Ames exits (Exit 113: 13th Street and Exit 111: US 30). A multiple vehicle crash SB caused that direction to close earlier. Th northbound lanes are now being closed to allow access for emergency vehicles.(2/5 1:25 pm)
— Iowa DOT (@iowadot) February 5, 2018
The Iowa State Patrol says that multiple commercial vehicles were involved in the crash.
One more picture from our crew at I-35 near Ames. Southbound lanes. We’re told there are injuries. Don’t know how serious. pic.twitter.com/7f7AP1p6Mp
— Dave Busiek (@KCCINewsDirectr) February 5, 2018
Several injuries have been reported, but the Iowa State Patrol says that there aren’t any reports of fatalities at this time.
All of the roads in central Iowa are at least partially snow covered. The Iowa State Patrol is urging drivers to slow down and use caution.
Westbound I-80 Closed In Three Locations
Iowa DOT also reports that westbound I-80 has been closed in three separate locations by crashes.
–Between Exit 113: County Road R16 and Exit 110: US 169; US 6 (Van Meter)
–Between Exit 191: US 63 and Exit 182: IA 146 (near Malcom)
–Between Exit 277: County Road Y26 and Exit 271: US 6; IA 38 and County Road X64 (near Durant)
You can click here for the latest traffic information from Iowa DOT.