100 cars collided in Michigan due to a severe snowstorm
A horrific and tragic traffic accident occurred in the US state of Michigan, where severe weather conditions and a powerful snowstorm caused a chain-reaction pileup involving more than 100 cars and trucks. Heavy snow and near-zero visibility turned I-196 into a scene of chaos and gridlock, requiring an immediate response from emergency crews and police to close the highway and manage the situation.
Details of the mass collision
Michigan State Police explained in a statement that the accident was caused by dozens of large trucks and cars skidding and colliding with each other due to ice accumulation on the road. Initial reports indicated that the accident, which occurred on Monday, involved approximately 40 heavy transport vehicles, complicating evacuation and road clearing operations. Despite the extensive damage to the vehicles, police confirmed that numerous injuries of varying severity were reported, but fortunately, no fatalities had been recorded as a result of this massive collision at the time of this report.
Harsh climatic conditions in the American Midwest
This incident comes amid a wave of severe weather hitting the Midwest. Michigan, particularly its western regions bordering the Great Lakes, is known for a weather phenomenon called "Lake Effect Snow," which causes sudden and massive snowfalls, leading to near-zero visibility, a condition known as "whiteout." These conditions make highways dangerous traps for drivers, who can lose control of their vehicles in seconds.
Official warnings and a sharp drop in temperatures
In these conditions, authorities and officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, avoid speeding, and even refrain from going out unless absolutely necessary. The National Weather Service is forecasting a sharp and dangerous drop in temperatures, potentially reaching -22 degrees Celsius in the northern state, which could lead to icy roads and the formation of invisible layers of black ice.
Forecasts also indicated that snowfall could increase by an additional 10 centimeters overnight, bringing the total accumulation to approximately 35.5 centimeters in parts of the southwest and midwest of the state. The National Weather Service issued a statement advising residents to avoid these affected areas for their own safety and to facilitate rescue operations.
Impact of the incident on transportation and logistics
This incident highlights the significant risks facing the road transport sector during the US winter. The involvement of approximately 40 heavy trucks in the accident not only resulted in material losses but could also lead to delays in supply chains and the movement of goods across the state. Michigan's highways are vital arteries for commerce, and their prolonged closure for accident and snow removal directly impacts economic activity and the daily lives of residents.
