Dozens of vehicles were involved in two large pileups on a snowy Interstate 40 in Tennessee on Friday afternoon.
The pileups occurred between mile markers 116 and 120 on the westbound lanes of I-40, around 1 p.m.
The pileups will likely keep the highway closed for considerable time, however details about the expected length and time of the closure aren’t currently available.
Here’s what it looks like at the scene.
Truck driver Jeffrey Mount shared the following footage to LiveTrucking’s Trucker Feed Facebook group, taken near mile marker 120.
Update (4:54 p.m.):
Police say at least 16 tractor trailers were involved in the pileup.
As of 4:54, the road remains closed, and officials have declared a state of emergency. Authorities are advising drivers to stay off roads in middle and west Tennessee if possible.
“Do not risk damaging your vehicle, getting injured or even killed. This is not a game of slip and slide. It is very dangerous to drive on ice,” Tennessee Highway patrol says.
If you are traveling along I-40 to or from Nashville, be advised that there are multiple crashes, some involving commercial vehicles. The interstate is shut down westbound between the 114 and 120 mile markers in Henderson County at this time.
— THPMemphis (@THPMemphis) January 12, 2018
Troopers are working a multiple vehicle crash on I-40 at the 120 mm. Please drive safely and slow your speed down for the conditions. @THPJackson pic.twitter.com/Vhup8HjrCq
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) January 12, 2018
Middle and West TN drivers please stay off the roads. The roads are getting more hazardous. Do not risk damaging your vehicle, getting injured or even killed. This is not a game of slip and slide. It is very dangerous to drive on ice. pic.twitter.com/ZFf3vJZcdH
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) January 12, 2018
Please restrict driving to emergencies only. We strongly suggest that you don’t get out and drive. https://t.co/YvNsVNNbbI
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) January 12, 2018
#TEMA afternooon update on #winterweather in #Tennessee :: https://t.co/ktzGnty35J :: State of Emergency in effect. Avoid travel if at all possible. Monitor local news and weather for updates on forecasts and road conditions. *THP (*847) for highway assistance. pic.twitter.com/PSezRxXk8W
— T_E_M_A (@T_E_M_A) January 12, 2018
Update (1/13/2018 11:52 a.m.):
No major injuries were reported in the large pileups, however drivers were stranded overnight in the westbound lanes. Traffic is slowly starting to move on Saturday morning as TDOT crews work to clear the I-40 westbound lanes.
Yes, we have at least one lane cleared.
— Nichole Lawrence (@NicLawrenceTDOT) January 13, 2018
I-40 WB remains icy in areas. Traffic is moving slow. Crews are towing vehicles from the median & shoulders. Drive slow & use extreme caution. If you don’t need to drive toward Jackson & Memphis or Memphis & Jackson toward Nashville do not. @THPMemphis @THPJackson @THPNashville pic.twitter.com/W67o9SWvUZ
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) January 13, 2018
@myTDOT crews are making #progress with I40 WB lanes at mm 101. #WinterStormHunter pic.twitter.com/Ar4XZNkB01
— Nichole Lawrence (@NicLawrenceTDOT) January 13, 2018
