55 vehicles were involved in a pileup in Wakefield, Massachusetts on Wednesday morning. Officials say a surprise rain storm washed away the salt on the highways, causing the roads to become slick and slippery in the freezing weather.
The pileup occurred just before 6:30 a.m. on the northbound lanes of Route 128, near the Route 129 exit.
Eight people were injured in the crash, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
“I think the forecast was caught by surprise. No one forecasted that quick burst of rain that came through that washed away all that salt and the pretreat,” said Tom Timlin, of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
“It seemed to have snuck up on everybody. Most everything is slick and coated with ice. We need everybody to slow down and plan for some extra time this morning,” Newton Fire Department Lt. Eric Fricke said.
The highway has since reopened.
The following footage was taken from the scene.