The Midwest woke up to snow and ice this morning, and the slippery conditions caused a massive pileup on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago.
According to the city’s fire department, approximately 60 vehicles were involved in a series of crashes which begun early this morning.
Approximately an hour after the fire department sent the first warnings on Twitter, they followed up by saying “Numerous accidents still be[ing] reported due to low traction around the city. Do not use Kennedy [Expressway] at this time.” They added slippery conditions existed on “all expressways and some surface streets.”
Also Read: Almost 70 Cars Caught Up In Massive Pileup On Icy Virginia Bridge, Dozens Injured
Kennedy near North Ave pic.twitter.com/6xH18nWSl2
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 15, 2020
Details are limited, but the department tweeted multiple photos of a large pileup on the Kennedy Expressway that involved everything from sedans to semis. Some of the vehicles appear to have spun 180°, while others were apparently involved in multiple collisions.
In total, the fire department said 14 people were transported to local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries. They added that 45 other people were evaluated, but refused being transported to a hospital.
The expressway was temporarily closed, but video from WGN show crews have managed to clear at least one lane to get traffic moving again. However, there’s still a pretty big mess as multiple vehicles appear to be waiting to be towed from the scene.
According to The Weather Channel, Chicago woke up to light snow and temperatures in the 20’s this morning. They added a winter weather advisory was issued at 5:22 a.m. local time.
Latest update on Kennedy crashes. 14 patients transported to St.Mary, St Joseph and Northwestern Memorial. None of the injuries are listed as life threatening. 32 other patients were treated and opted not to be transported. CFD estimates nearly 60 vehicles involved pic.twitter.com/c4hWmGeg3C
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 15, 2020