Multiple Injuries Reported after a Massive Pile up Blocked the Highway in Oklahoma
A massive car pileup on a highway in Oklahoma has led to multiple injuries after two semi-trucks collided and burst into flames due to heavy snow blankets covering the road.
Multiple people have been rushed to the hospital for serious injuries after a massive pileup occurred on a highway in Oklahoma on Sunday evening due to the icy rods caused by the harsh winter weather.
According to announcements by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident happened on the Turner Turnpike highway close to Post Road around 3 pm after two semi-trucks collided and went up in flames.
An accident between multiple semi trucks and passenger vehicles turned fiery on the Turner Turnpike westbound in Oklahoma. Several people were transported to a hospital: https://t.co/8RbPbdkPWy pic.twitter.com/8IU1hQxGEd
— AccuWeather (@breakingweather) February 15, 2021
The collision occurred due to the heavy fall of snow and ice that covered most of the United States cities, going as far as Del Rio, Texas, close to the US-Mexico border. Several people have since been taken to the hospital.
Videos and pictures going around social media show firefighters working to extinguish the flames from the collision. The Oklahoma National Guard is also on the ground to provide first aid and transport victims to the hospital.
Fiery crash that forced the closure of the Turner Turnpike in OKC.
— NewsChannel 8 | KTUL (@KTULNews) February 14, 2021
Video provided by eyewitness Chri de Bruyn.
More: https://t.co/xz7paHVdVf#oklahoma #winter #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/YRzo2Luyg5
The actual number of victims involved and the extent of their injuries haven’t been confirmed. Also, the exact number of cars involved in the crash hasn’t been discovered. Amid the crash, the highway would reportedly be closed for 8 hours.
The crash in Oklahoma is the latest massive car pileups occurring in the United States due to icy roads.
UPDATE: @OHPDPS says this could be closed for up to 8 hours. These cars will start being turned around. Several people were taken to the hospital. @OKCFOX pic.twitter.com/MkinINWrWB
— Connor Hansen (@Connor_R_Hansen) February 14, 2021
In an update on Twitter, the OHP announced that traffic has since been diverted to Hogback Road and warned residents to stay home. According to reports, the heavy ice storm is expected to affect over 200 million Americans.
The disastrous pileup came after Oklahoma announced a state of emergency for all 77 counties due to the horrendous weather conditions. The state also temporarily suspended weight permits for oversized vehicles for supplying emergency reliefs.
We are currently working this injury crash on the Turner Turnpike westbound near Post Road. This is involving multiple semis and passenger vehicles. Traffic is being diverted at Hogback Road. Just a reminder - do not get out if you don’t have to. pic.twitter.com/lAtnol944f
— OK Highway Patrol/DPS (@OHPDPS) February 14, 2021
As for trucks carrying propane, specific regulations have been put on hold for now. During the state of emergency, three overnight shelters and three day-warming centers have been made available for residents.
The crash in Oklahoma is the latest massive car pileups occurring in the United States due to icy roads. On Thursday, the city of Fort Worth in Texas experienced a devastating 133-car pileup.
Crews are working to untangle the dozens of vehicles involved in the icy pileup on I-35W in Fort Worth. Authorities have so far confirmed five fatalities in this incident. https://t.co/q2L6gpyQ53 pic.twitter.com/n5bO4OMwJo
— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) February 11, 2021
The tragic incident resulted in six lives lost and several dozens injured, receiving treatment at the hospital. Per reports, the snowstorm has caused Texas to experience its coldest temperature in 30 years. Our prayers are with the victims.