COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OR – A massive pileup involving over 100 vehicles occurred in the Columbia River Gorge, creating a chaotic scene on the icy interstate. The accident, which took place amidst blinding snow and howling winds, fortunately resulted in only minor injuries, with no fatalities reported.
Emergency crews, including the Oregon State Police and local fire departments, quickly responded to the scene, battling treacherous conditions to assist those involved. As the snow subsided, tow trucks arrived en masse to begin the arduous task of clearing the wreckage, which included an 18-wheeler that had collided with an SUV, causing a chain reaction of crashes.
Witnesses described the harrowing conditions, with one couple recounting their terrifying experience of driving through near-whiteout conditions. They struggled to halt their vehicle in time, ultimately crashing into a semi-truck. Despite the frightening ordeal, they managed to weave their way to safety between the truck and the median.
Throughout the morning, emergency responders methodically checked each vehicle, ensuring that no one was left stranded or injured. The cleanup operation saw at least 20 tow trucks working diligently to remove the damaged vehicles from the interstate, a process that continued into the afternoon.
The westbound lanes of the interstate remained closed for several hours as crews worked to restore normal traffic flow. Meanwhile, eastbound traffic moved steadily, albeit through the remnants of the severe weather that had wreaked havoc earlier in the day.
Oregon State Police officials expressed relief that the incident, despite its scale, resulted in no serious injuries. They attributed this outcome to the prompt response of emergency services and the cooperation of those involved.
As the weather conditions improved slightly, authorities cautioned drivers to avoid the area if possible, as the westbound lanes remained hazardous. The combination of icy roads and strong winds made for a perilous journey, even for those accustomed to winter driving.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the pileup, aiming to understand how such a large-scale accident occurred and to prevent future incidents. In the meantime, the focus remains on clearing the scene and ensuring the safety of all travelers in the region.