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Sheets of Ice Cause Travel Chaos Across North Texas; 8 Dead and Dozens Hurt
On Thursday morning, at least eight people have died in highway crashes that took place across North Texas. These come as sleet has made driving conditions in the area dangerous.
According to NBC5 Meteorologist Grant Johnston, 1/10 of an inch of ice covered parts of North Texas right as people started their morning commute. This resulted in ice accumulating on the road.
Massive 100-Vehicle Crash in Forth Worth
In Forth Worth, a “mass casualty incident” caused the death of five people and the injuries of dozens more. The incident involved around 100 vehicles. It took place in the southbound North Texas Express lanes on Interstate 35, which is located near downtown Fort Worth.
Preliminary information on MCI in Fort Worth. More info will be released later. At least 100 vehicles involved, 5 fatalities, 36 transported to local hospitals. #yourFWFD continues to work the incident and will be on scene for several hours. pic.twitter.com/DUtRJFKSI9
— Fort Worth Fire Department (@FortWorthFire) February 11, 2021
The crash stretched for about ¾ of a mile, with semitrailers, trucks, and cars crashed into each other.
As of Thursday morning, officials confirmed the deaths of five people who were involved in the massive crash. Meanwhile, around 36 are reported to be in the hospital. However, the exact number of those who suffered injuries is yet to be determined. Investigations at the site are still ongoing.
Given the sheer number of vehicles involved in the incident, authorities say that it will take them “a lot of time” to clear the area. They are also asking people to stay at home if going out is unnecessary.
Dallas Crashes Kill Three
In Dallas, a person was killed in a multi-vehicle car crash at 11:17 p.m. As per authorities, the accident took place on the southbound lane of Interstate 45 at Lamar Street.
Then, shortly before 1 a.m., another crash took place along Interstate 45 at Illinois Avenue. It also killed two people and and injured one, who is in critical condition.
Dallas police also mentioned that several crashes have been reported in the area overnight. Some of them involved injuries and even damage to city vehicles.
A Dallas Sheriff’s Deputy was working an accident, when his squad car became part of the scene. Fortunately, the deputy is ok, but this stresses the need for everyone to SLOW DOWN … for yourself and for others!! pic.twitter.com/efjiXcV9Kj
— Sheriff Marian Brown (@SheriffMBrown14) February 11, 2021
Arlington Emergency Crews Respond to 82 Crashes and Counting
Meanwhile, in Arlington, authorities reported that a man who was trying to cross the street at Arkansas Lane and Medlin Drive was hit by a car. He later died on Wednesday night. Authorities mentioned that the man was not at a crosswalk. However, the police say that investigators still haven’t ruled out that weather conditions during the crash possibly played a part in the incident.
According to a police spokesman, by 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, emergency personnel in the city have responded to about 82 crashes since 10 p.m. the night before.
Most of the crashes in the area happened on bridges and overpasses where drivers tend to go too fast for the weather conditions.
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