Transportation officials are asking drivers to seek alternate routes after a series of serious crashes shut down a major Arkansas interstate.
The fatal crash reportedly occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, on westbound I-40 near mile marker 68 in Johnson County, Arkansas.
Johnson Co: (UPDATE) Accident on I-40 WB near MM 68.8. All lanes remain blocked at this time: Monitor https://t.co/l1xGNNTado for the latest information. #ARtraffic #NWAtraffic pic.twitter.com/FiYc2GZf2S
— Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) September 16, 2020
The crash reportedly involved multiple semi trucks and other vehicles and caused a massive fire.
Multiple fire and rescue and law enforcement agencies including the Arkansas Highway Patrol responded.
Local news outlet the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports that two people died in the crash. It isn’t yet clear how many people are injured.
A previous crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on I-40 about two miles west of the 4:30 a.m. crash. A third crash occurred around 8 a.m. on eastbound I-40 near mile marker 68.
Johnson Co: Accident reported on EB I-40 near Mile Marker 68. All lanes remain blocked at this time: Monitor https://t.co/l1xGNNTado for the latest information. #ARtraffic #NWAtraffic pic.twitter.com/kfK87V6bXR
— Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) September 16, 2020
This is a developing story.