Officials say that the first of many collisions happened around 11:45 a.m. between State Route 53 and State Route 4 in Sandusky and Erie Counties.
After a second collision at 12:30 p.m., the vast pileup started to build, according to authorities. Approximately fifty automobiles were ultimately engaged, OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura stated in a video statement.
The victims’ names have not been disclosed. The unknown is the actual number of injuries. According to Purpura, cars saw “whiteout conditions” on the route due to strong gusts and snowfall. A snowstorm causes a pileup on the Ohio Turnpike.
Responders were transporting individuals from their automobiles to a nearby facility to escape the subzero weather.
A spokeswoman for the OSHP said, “This will continue for a while.” Numerous troopers and first responders are now addressing the situation. Additionally, OHSHP responded to a fatal collision on County Road 49 in Huntsville, about 80 miles south of the pileup.
Officials have requested that residents stay in their houses if possible. If they must drive, he advised them to drive slowly, increase their following distance, and wear seatbelts.
Crews are collecting debris and automobiles from the accident site in the pileup.
The bomb cyclone has brought very hazardous traffic conditions.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated, “Our condolences go out to the families who have lost a loved one due to the catastrophic weather in Ohio.”
Whiteouts and shallow temperatures persist throughout the state, resulting in highly hazardous traffic conditions. Please stay at home if possible and use extra caution due to the highly hazardous road conditions.”
The collision is still being investigated, according to the police. When the accident site is cleared is unclear. The road continues to be blocked in either direction.
