Icy conditions along the northbound Interstate-5 in Siskiyou County near Highway 96 caused a massive accident that involved approximately 60 vehicles on Tuesday evening. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the I-5 had been shut down all night.
California Fire Siskiyou Unit information officer Suzi Brady said, "It's about one mile's worth of damaged vehicles on I-5." The extent of damage sustained varied from vehicle to vehicle but no less than 30 had to be towed.
The accident was initially reported at approximately 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, when a single rollover was alerted to authories. The situation dramatically deteriorated, however, as California Highway Patrol Nick Black confirmed that all northbound lanes were shut down until 5 a.m. this morning.
Responding to the initial report of a rollover, the emergency crew faced a 15-car crash by the time they arrived to the scene. Vehicles included as many as five big rig eighteen-wheelers.
While 60 vehicles were accounted in the pileup, California Department of Transportation Denise Yergenson said that most vehicles were simply stranded on the highway due to the icy conditions. Only about 18 vehicles were actually involved in the pileup.
A dangerous situation, approximately six people in the accident sustained minor to moderate injury. However, two were reported to have suffered serious injuries.
Suzi Brady confirmed: "We did have one patient transported by helicopter to Oregon."
According to Red Cross emergency services coordinator Eric Kiltz, a bus was prepared to ferry the stranded motorists to a shelter at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds. Kiltz said, "A multicar accident north of Yreka has left dozens of motorists stranded. As of 9:30 Tuesday night, nine people had arrived on a bus with more expected to arrive throughout the evening."
Be sure to take a look at the incredible footage of the pileup below!
[Source: Redding.com]
