WEST LIBERTY, Iowa (KWQC) - Approximately 20 to 25 people were taken to the hospital in I-80 crashes that shut the roadway down for hours, officials said.
Several sections of I-80 were blocked Sunday night due to a towing operation, according to Iowa 511.
According to the West Branch Fire Department, the incident is being classified as a Mass Casualty Incident. Officials said an MCI is defined as an event which the number of injured or affected people overwhelms local emergency and healthcare resources in a short period of time, requiring a coordinated, multi-agency response.
West Liberty Fire and emergency crews went to Mile Marker 262 on I-80 West for a multi-vehicle crash around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, according to a media release.
The West Branch Fire Department also responded to the crash, according to a media release from the department. Their crews were set up from the 256 mile marker to beyond the 262 mile marker.
The area was under a severe winter weather alert, officials said, which created extremely hazardous road conditions.
Multiple crashes happened in both lanes of I-80 because of the severe weather and worsening road conditions.
As more incidents happened, officials said, multiple agencies were asked to help. In total, 19 agencies were involved and mutual aid resources were requested from four counties and the state.
I-80 was shut-down from Mile Marker 240 to Mile Marker 284 in both directions for the safety of emergency responders and the hundreds of travelers who were stranded on the interstate until traffic could be cleared, officials said.
Crews were almost hit by vehicles attempting to drive through active scenes during several incidents before the road was closed, officials said.
According to West Branch firefighters, one major vehicle extraction was needed.
Officials are still finalizing the numbers but estimate:
West Liberty crews were working for seven hours and the interstate reopened around 9 p.m., officials said.
West Branch crews said they were on scene for about eight hours until about 6:30 p.m..
Even after the road reopened, officials said multiple vehicles were still on the road’s shoulder and completely clearing the road will take time.
Until the road can be completely cleared, drivers are encouraged to avoid traveling, officials said.