Madison, Wisconsin (AP) — Dozens of people were injured in a massive traffic jam that blocked Interstate 39/90 for hours during snow in southern Wisconsin on Friday, officials said.
Beloit Memorial Hospital said at least 27 people were treated for injuries sustained in the crash. WIFR-TV reportedThe extent of their injuries was not immediately apparent, the station said.
State Patrol officials said snow, ice and whiteout conditions were factors in the crash.
Most of southern Wisconsin will remain under winter weather advisories Friday afternoon, with more snow expected Saturday.
The clash occurred around 12:30 pm in Rock County between Janesville and Beloit, the State Patrol said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. Troopers arrive to find the interstate blocked in both directions.
Troopers diverted traffic to a side street. Southbound lanes reopened shortly after 8 p.m., state patrol said on Twitter late Friday.
WIFR-TV posted a live video just before 4pm showing the semi-trailer being backed up while paramedics assisted the driver.
As of 6 a.m. Friday, the Beloit area had 2.2 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service.
In a separate statement, the State Patrol said another vehicle collided around 1:30 p.m. Friday, blocking Interstate 41 heading north in Kenosha County near the Wisconsin-Illinois border. said. The lanes were reopened by 7:35 p.m., according to the state patrol.