27 injured after massive 85-vehicle Wisconsin pileup blocks major interstate for hours in both directions

Dozens of people were injured A traffic jam in southern Wisconsin Amid the snowy weather on Friday.

The crash, involving about 85 vehicles, blocked the interstate for 39/90 hours, officials said.

Snow, ice and whiteout conditions were factors, Wisconsin State Patrol officials said.

Beloit Memorial Hospital said at least 27 people were treated, according to WIFR-TV Accidental injuries,

Dangerously cold weather is forecast across Central and North America

Individuals carry their belongings as emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash in the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 39/90 north of the East Creek Road overpass, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Turtle. Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)

The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. local time in Rock County between Janesville and Beloit and troopers found the interstate blocked in both directions.

Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash in both the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 39/90 on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)

In the initial investigation, 85 vehicles were said to be involved. One fatality was reported An unrelated accident.

Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash on both the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 39/90 north of the East Creek Road overpass on January 27, 2023 in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)

Storm Seniso hits Madagascar, causing more flooding

Traffic was diverted onto side roads and the southbound lanes reopened shortly after 8 p.m., according to a Twitter post from the State Patrol. All lanes of I-39/90 were open in both directions as of 9:45 p.m

Separately, another multi-vehicle crash blocked northbound Interstate 41 around 1:30 p.m. The same conditions were factors. The lanes were reopened shortly after 7:30 p.m