Jackknifed semi triggers 20 to 30 vehicle pileup in Missouri

A major pileup crash involving multiple tractor trailers has been reported near Canton, Missouri.

The pileup began around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, on U.S. 61, about 2 miles north of MO 16.

According to an initial report from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, a semi truck jackknifed on the slick roadway, triggering a chain reaction crash involving between 20 and 30 vehicles.

The driver of the jackknifed semi was transported to the hospital, according to local news outlet KHQA.

According to a 12:45 p.m. update from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. 61 northbound remains closed and traffic is being diverted at Highway 16.

Because the Missouri Highway Patrol is working to investigate the pileup and because tow crews are working to clear crashed vehicles, “several hours of work still remain” before the road can reopen.

TRAFFIC UPDATE FOR US 61 TRAFFIC CRASH. THE CRASH TEAM HAS FINISHED DIAGRAMING THE ACCIDENT. MODOT ADVISED THAT THE DETOUR IS GOING TO REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL ALL THE VEHICLES ARE REMOVED. pic.twitter.com/tJiHeVMw9t

— MSHP Troop B (@MSHPTrooperB) January 26, 2021