On Tuesday afternoon, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) reopened a stretch of eastbound I-40 that was shut down following a multi-vehicle collision that happened on Monday.
I-40 East Reopens Following Temporary Repairs
Around 12:20 p.m., ARDOT announced that traffic was starting to move on eastbound I-40 east of Forrest City after temporary repairs were made following the Monday afternoon crash.
ARDOT says that crews are still removing diesel and oil from the roadway.
Officials also said that fire from the crash damaged the bridge at mile marker 246 near Widener.
Multiple Trucks Involved in Monday Pileup Crash
The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Monday.
The Forrest City Fire Department said that the crash involved 6 tractor trailers, 3 dump trucks, and 8 passenger vehicles. ARDOT previously reported that the crash involved 8 CMVs, 3 pickups, and 2 cars.
One of the trucks involved was hauling diesel fuel, officials say.
One person is confirmed dead in the crash. Authorities have not yet released an identity for that person.
It isn’t yet clear how many other people were injured.
Police have not released any information on what caused the crash.
Traffic is beginning to move on I-40E. Thank you for your patience! https://t.co/v5cgLZJ1GY
— Arkansas Department of Transportation (@myARDOT) August 23, 2022