Terre Haute, IN – A major multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 vehicles caused westbound I-70 to be shut down just east of Terre Haute, Indiana, during a severe winter storm, authorities said Friday.
The incident, which occurred amid heavy snowfall and icy road conditions, left several people injured and caused widespread traffic disruption across the region.
Weather for Terre Haute, IN:
Current conditions: Mostly cloudy, 27°F (-3°C)
Daily Forecast:
- Sunday, November 30: Low: 22°F (-5°C), High: 30°F (-1°C), Description: Cloudy, windy and cold; Storm total snowfall 2-4 cm
- Monday, December 1: Low: 22°F (-5°C), High: 33°F (0°C), Description: Cloudy and cool; Late afternoon rush
- Tuesday, December 2: Low: 17°F (-8°C), High: 29°F (-2°C), Description: Very cold with low clouds
What happened on I-70 near Terre Haute
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred on westbound I-70 near Terre Haute during intense snowfall and rapidly deteriorating road conditions. The incident occurred just east of Terre Haute, where visibility was low and the interstate was covered with ice and snow.
Troopers and local emergency crews arrived to find a chaotic scene involving more than 50 vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. The crash completely blocked the westbound lanes, forcing authorities to close that portion of I-70 while they worked to reach victims, assess injuries and clear debris.
Several people were reported injured and many were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition. As of now, authorities have not released the total number of injuries or any deaths, and the exact sequence of the collisions remains under investigation.
Weather, road conditions and response efforts
The Terre Haute I-70 crash occurred during a winter system that brought snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures to western Indiana. Smooth roads and limited visibility likely played a significant role in chain-reaction crashes, as drivers struggled to slow down and stop in time after the first collision began.
Emergency services – including local fire departments, EMS personnel, Indiana State Police and towing and recovery operators – are working under extremely challenging conditions. First responders are going from vehicle to vehicle to check for injured passengers, provide medical care and safely coordinate transportation to area hospitals.
INDOT crews are salting, sanding and plowing the interstate and nearby routes, but officials are stressing that conditions remain dangerous and that travel in the area should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Traffic is being diverted to alternative routes, causing significant delays on nearby roads.
Impact on passengers and safety concerns
The closure of westbound I-70 near Terre Haute has caused long backups and increased travel times for motorists heading into Illinois and the far west. Officials are urging drivers to delay travel plans, use alternate routes far away from the accident area and closely monitor traffic and weather updates.
This major interstate pileup underscores the dangers of winter driving, especially on high-speed corridors like I-70. Law enforcement and transportation officials are reminding drivers:
- Dramatically reduce speed in snow and ice
- increase the following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or lane changes
- Stay home if conditions are very dangerous
Motorists already in the area are asked to maintain patience, obey turn signs and yield to emergency and INDOT vehicles operating at and around the crash site.
Public reactions and community reaction
News of the Terre Haute I-70 crash spread quickly on social media, with travelers sharing photos of backed-up traffic and icy roads, and families expressing concern for loved ones who may be traveling through the area. Local community groups are using social platforms to disseminate information about alternative routes, road closures and weather updates.
Many residents of Terre Haute and surrounding communities have expressed support and gratitude for the first responders who worked in freezing conditions to rescue and assist victims. Others are using the incident as a reminder to take winter weather warnings seriously and prepare vehicles with emergency supplies like blankets, water, chargers and first aid kits.
Official statement and what happens next
Indiana State Police remains the lead agency investigating the I-70 pileup near Terre Haute. Accident reconstruction teams are working to determine how the collision began and what factors, including weather, speed, visibility and driver behavior, contributed to the scale of the incident.
INDOT officials have not yet given an estimate for when westbound I-70 will fully reopen, noting it will likely take a long time to clear the more than 50 vehicles, including the damaged semi. Once the roadway is cleared, it will need to be inspected and any snow and debris treated before traffic can safely resume.
Officials are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of the area around the time of the incident to contact Indiana State Police to assist in the investigation.
Drivers planning to travel near Terre Haute or in western Indiana are strongly encouraged to check the latest road and weather updates before departing and to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve and the interstate is fully reopened.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
